Castle Rock acquired its name when Ranulph, the last Earl of Chester decided to build a castle at this point during the 13th century. Soon after work on the foundations began the project was abandoned and it said that the Beeston Castle was built instead [7]. The location of castles and cathedrals was believed to have been as important as the buildings themselves. Stonemasons would choose a site which has dragon lines or earth energies present. These lines can be disturbed by quarrying which causes the positive power to turn negative. As the Edge has been quarried since Bronze Age times it is possible the project was abandoned due to the corruption of the dragon lines [3].
In 1805 a large number of stones were found when the field behind Castle Rock was ploughed. These were the remains of a wall which was erected on an irregular bank next to a ditch. In some places the bank projected to cover and protect the weaker parts and enclosed an area of several acres. The size of the ditch was too large for agricultural use and would have been more suitable for defensive purposes [7]. Many people believe that the size of the ditch and irregular nature of the ridge suggests that the wall was part of the castle foundations.
It was said that sometime around 1740 John Darcy (or Squire Darcy as he was more commonly known) removed the stones that comprised a pavement on Castle Rock and used them in the construction of the road at Monksheath [7]. Then in 1769 Thomas Ridgeway found several parcels of gunflints in the field behind Castle Rock which suggests it was used during the civil wars [4]. A small hollow has also been found nearby which is said to have been a watering hole for the soldiers horses [7]. Castle Rock would certainly have been the perfect place for a small force stationed to observe the surrounding area.
Although none of the features described can be seen around Castle Rock today it still commands an extensive view across the Cheshire plain. Directly below Castle Rock lies the Hough which takes its name from the several generations of people who owned the property there [6].
Slithers of flint from the Stone Age have been found in the field behind Castle Rock and on the path that runs along the field from Castle Rock towards the Beacon. Stone Age men used the flint to sharpen wood into weapons and then tied the flint to the point. With the use of these weapons the men used to drive cattle over Castle Rock and butcher the animals.
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