Smartphone Light Reveals 800-Year-Old Castle Secret

An 800-year-old section of a medieval castle has been discovered hidden beneath Chester Crown Court. Archaeologist Stewart Ainsworth made the unexpected find while examining stonework in a dimly lit corridor, using his smartphone light to observe the masonry.

He noticed a distinct change in the stonework, indicating a large wall that turned at a right angle. Further investigation and comparison with surviving parts of the Norman castle confirmed that this section dated back to the medieval period, not the 18th century when much of the current court complex was built.

Digital scanners and old maps revealed the wall to be part of a bridge constructed nearly 800 years ago. This bridge once spanned a deep ditch surrounding the castle's inner ward, with the 13th-century gateway eventually being demolished. The surviving medieval stonework, standing almost three metres high, suggests that much of the original castle defences may remain hidden.

Researchers noted similarities to the bridge at Beeston Castle, suggesting a similar defensive arrangement once existed at Chester Castle. This discovery highlights the potential for uncovering unknown historical sites through proactive surveys and recording of historic buildings.