Lyonshall Castle like many in Herefordshire lays behind a very picturesque church, St Michael and All Angels. The castle has recently been cleared but access is still quite trickey in places.

~ History ~

1070's ~ Following the Norman Conquest the de Lacey's establish Lenhaul Castle, who grant it to the Devereux's.

1220's ~ Stephen Devereux builds a stone keep on the motte, similar to his overlord Walter de Lacy's new castle at nearby Longtown.

1280's ~ The castle becomes the main seat of William Touchet.

1322 ~ The castle's owner Bartholomew de Badlesmere is executed by King Edward II.

1388 ~ Following a succession of owners, its new owner Sir Simon Burley is executed on the orders of King Richard II. 

The castle reverts to Sir Hohn Devereux, who dies five years later, leaving an heiress who later marries Walter, 5th Baron Fitz-Walter.

1403 ~ Walter is ordered to garrison the castle against Owain Glyndwr's Welsh forces.

1641 ~ The long ownership of the Devereux family ends when it passes to the Thynnes, who sell it to the Cheese family, but by this time the neglected castle is already in ruins.