Risinghoe Castle is an early 12th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress. Possibly built as a siege-castle in the Anarchy, in the reign of King Stephen, when in 1137-38 Stephen laid siege to Bedford. There are references of a bailey but after extensive Victorian clay extraction on the site, its position is lost. The castle is mentioned as old in the late 12th century, when it was probably obtained by Wardon Abbey but much of its history remains obscure. The motte is said to have the look of a barrow and with the dense cover of trees, is best viewed in winter. 3 miles west is Bedford Castle and a mile east is Renhold Ring.