Astley Castle was originally a 12th century fortified manor house, founded by Philip de Asteley. In 1266, Wacin de Bassingburn founded the stone castle, when he was granted a license to crenellate. The oval platform encased by a moat, supported a hall and a solar block, a gatehouse and a curtain wall. In the 15th to 17th century, the Grey family altered the castle, which was then remodelled into a 19th century country house. Sadly the one time home of three Queens of England, was destroyed by fire in 1978, when in use as a hotel. The house is now a complex, roughly rectangular range of ruined two storey buildings, with an embattled parapet. 2 miles south-west is Fillongley Castle Hills and 4 miles north is Hartshill Castle.