Stafford Castle is an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Robert de Toeni. Standing on a high ridge, Ralph Stafford founded the stone castle when King Edward III granted him a licence to crenellate in 1348. Crowning the motte are the remains of a massive hall-keep, rectangular in shape with octagonal corner towers. After the Civil War, the slighted remains were given an extensive 19th century Gothic reconstruction, with medieval stonework still to be seen in the south wall and the north-east tower. Dropping down the hillside are the earthworks of two large and impressive baileys, with the foundations of ranges of buildings. 2 miles south is Coppenhall Gorse and 9 miles north-east is Chartley Castle.