The New Murrey and Blue blog

Did Richard II hide his treasure down a Cheshire well….?

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“….To provide the castle’s inhabitants with fresh water, wells were dug into the rock. One at 370 feet (113 m) deep, is one of the deepest castle wells in England. According to legend, it was the hiding place of Richard II’s treasure which he stashed before leaving England in 1399 to quell the rebellion in Ireland. The treasure has never been found….”

Richard II leaves for Ireland, 1399 – from Froissart’s Chronicles

And where is this deep well? Beeston Castle in Cheshire, which county was, of course, one of Richard II’s main source of support. We’ve all heard of his famous Cheshire Archers, who were both loathed and feared,

To see the article which has prompted me now, go to Ancient Origins. The link also contains a fascinating 3D reconstruction of the castle at its height, literally. Recommended. Even more recommended is this page which has many illustrations.

But don’t all descend upon Beeston in search of hidden gold!

To read much more about Richard II’s treasure and Chester, go here.

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  1. Richard Unwin Avatar
    Richard Unwin

    RII had a treasury at Holte Castle in Denbighshire. The last treasure located there was that collected by Sir William Stanley and confiscated by Henry VII.

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  2. maryeflowre Avatar
    maryeflowre

    I know that well that well!

    Beeston Castle was a favourite Sunday jaunt of ours with the kids (they really liked it, honest). The castle is on top of a very high hill and has great views, and the well, of course, goes all the way down to the bottom.

    Good views too on approaching by car. The hill with the castle ruins on is one of three tall hills that march in a line. Always reminded me of the Weather Hills in Lord of the Rings, although we never encountered any ringwraiths on the top.

    Are you saying there may have been the next best thing to dragon gold down that well, and we never even brought a bucket?

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    1. viscountessw Avatar
      viscountessw

      ‘Twould seem so, maryeflowre, but it’s never too late….! 😄

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  3. sighthound6 Avatar
    sighthound6

    Richard II had an absolute stack of cash down the road at Holt. It would be surprising if there was money at Beeston too. The Holt money was not hidden.

    Beeston Castle is in a very lovely area and there are one or two rather good pubs nearby. One day, who knows, we may all be able to go back to enjoy them!

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