Dover's defences
A mighty fortress
There was a castle here shortly after the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066. The medieval defences visible today were built in three periods between 1179 and 1256. They evolved over the next 700 years, from an age of sword and crossbow to one of air warfare, always protecting Dover harbour and the road to London.
The castle comprised the Great Tower in its centre surrounded by two concentric walls with high towers and strong gates. In 1216 — 17 the only weak point, a narrow spur of level ground at this north end, was badly damaged during a bitter siege by a French army. Afterwards, the northern defences were redesigned and strengthened.
From the 1750s, the medieval walls were altered to form ramparts for cannon, and barracks were built for a large garrison. More changes followed, especially during the war against Napoleon (1793 — 1815), again in the 1850s, and finally during the First and Second World Wars. Each time the defences were adapted to the changing nature of warfare. Dover Castle remained an important military centre until 1958.
What to see
1 Medieval tunnels Originally built to improve the spur defences after the siege of 1216 — 17, the tunnels were adapted for defence during the Napoleonic Wars. The entrance
is through the door to the right.
2 Battlements walk there are spectacular views of the Great Tower; the surrounding countryside and the Channel from the castle walls. On display are cannon of the 18th and 19th centuries and anti-aircraft emplacements of the Second World War.
( photo captions )
Left: An illustration showing the French attacking the north gate of the castle during the siege of 1216-17. Peter Dunn
Above:This photograph of gunners in the late 19th century was probably taken at Woolwich Arsenal, but similar guns would have been used on Dover's ramparts. Royal Engineers Library, Chatham
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