Dover Castle

Dover Castle was built in 1066 AD

Castle Hill, Dover

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Dover Castle sits on the site of a former Iron Age Hill fort, high up on the White Cliffs of Dover, looking out towards France and mainland Europe. Dover later became home to an Anglo-Saxon fortress which was strengthened by William the Conqueror in 1066.

You can still visit the Anglo Saxon church (one of England's oldest) right next door to the new Dover Castle which was later built by Henry II replacing William's fort. His construction included a massive keep, the remains of which survive to this day. The square keep, reminicient of the Tower of London has walls that vary between five and seven metres in thickness. Henry's keep was also a royal palace and the standards of decoration still visible show that this was no ordinary fort.

King Henry VIII had Dover Castle refortified as part of anti-invasion preparations. Being only 23 miles from France, Dover castle was a key element of national defence for all monarchs from the middle ages right through to the twentieth century.

During the Napolenic wars at the end of the 18th century, there was a garrison of over 2000 men stationed at Dover castle, ready to repel invaders. Tunnels dug at this time did much to add to the castle's defensive capabilities.

The castle at Dover has a long active history which perhaps reached its zenith as recently as World War II when the secret tunnels below the castle walls were used for planning the British Expeditionary Force's withdrawl from the Dunkirk beaches.

Dover itself os at the southestern end of the country (at the end of the M20 motorway). To find Dover Castle, just drive into town and follow the signs. The castle is open all year round and admission includes the entrance fee for the secret wartime tunnels.

According to local legend, Dover Castle has at least 9 ghosts in residence. The ghost mentioned most often is that of a soldier in the secret wartime tunnels who searches for a woman named Helen.

One of the great medieval castles of England.

 

 

 

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