 The valley of the River Ribble has formed a significant transport route for a long time, a Roman road runs up it, passing just south of the castle site.The steep limestone outcrop which rises above the surrounding land is strategically located to effectively bar the pass and provide extensive views over the surrounding area.A 14th-century document called "Historia Laceiorum" attributed construction of the castle to Robert de Lacy (died 1193), the grandson of the first Robert de Lacy.