History of Dover Castle

Built of a high cliff, in a strategic position facing threats from Europe, Dover castle has always been an important part of Britain's line of defence.

The Romans built a 80 feet high flint lighthouse on the remains of an iron age fort. In Saxon times a chapel was built for the castle garrison.

Immediately after the Battle of Hastings William the Conqueror went to Dover Castle and spent eight days strengthening this key fortification.

Henry II carried out a complete reconstruction between 1168 and 1188 providing the castle with the towered walls of the inner bailey, the beginning of the outer walls and the great square keep - the largest in England.

In 1216 during the reign of King John the castle was besieged by Prince Louis, heir to the throne of France. The French breached the barbican and undermined the gatehouse causing the east tower to collapse. The French forces would have certainly penetrated the inner walls if it wasn't for the fact that King John died at during the time of the siege and was succeeded by his son Henry III.

Henry had the support of the Church, many influential barons and the loyalty of Dover castle. Because of this new unity Prince Louis retreated to France. Henry III spent a considerable sum of money to strengthen the castle.

The Constable's Gate was rebuilt around 1227 and it is here that subsequent Constables have had their residence.

The castle was seized by a small force of Parliamentarians during the Civil War in 1642. It remained in Cromwell's hands until the Restoration which ensured the castle remained intact unlike most other castles in England.

During the Napoleonic wars the castle underwent drastic alterations. The ditches were lowered, earth ramparts were constructed behind the walls and the outer walls were cut down to provide suitable platforms for artillery.

In World War II the bastions were rebuilt to enable heavy guns to be mounted over the harbour.

No other castle in Britain has such a long recorded history.