The Keep
Situated in the northwest corner of the inner bailey lies the keep, started in 1086 by William Maudit who completed a two storey structure by 1130. The Keep was raised to its present height, adding a further two storeys, in the 14th century.
The keep remains much as it was when built in the twelfth century, with its rooms stacked on top of each other and linked by a spiral stair located in the thickness of the wall, it was essentially a strong defensible house and was used as a prison in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The lower picture shows the keep, left of centre, with Ashton's Tower on the right, Ashton's Tower is approximately two thirds of the height of the keep. The east ranges, looking somewhat dilapidated, run along the east side of the inner bailey.
Entrance to the keep can be gained through the gatehouse that leads to the inner bailey.