Rochdale Castle was a motte-and-bailey castle in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, England (grid reference SD89121286).[1] It was built in the period shortly after the Norman conquest of England.[2]
In the 12th century many charters refer to 'the vill of the castle of Rachedal'. A charter dated c.1238 gave details of the castle standing on rising ground commanding the valley of the Roche and still known as Castle Hill.[3] The castle was abandoned in the early 13th century.[1] It was documented in 1322.[4]
In 1626 a Gabriel Tayor had a house, known as Castle Hill, on the site, described as being on the 'reputed site of a castle standing there, but now clean defaced'.[3] Buildings have been erected over the castle bailey and in the 19th century a house was built on the motte.[5]
The motte is 100 feet (30 m) at the base; the bailey is rectangular and lies to the south and measures 120 feet (37 m) by 100 feet (30 m). The defences consisted of an earth rampart and ditch.[1]