Top 10 Interesting Facts about Dover Castle

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Dover Castle

Dover Castle by DeFacto from Wikimedia Commons

Dover Castle has been a crucially significant castle throughout British history and has been known as the “Key to England” for many years. The castle’s position is essential to this heritage; located high on England’s coastline white cliffs commanding the shortest crossing between the island and mainland Europe, it is frequently seen as the first line of defence against invasion.

King Henry II first constructed Dover in the 1180s. Throughout history, however, the castle has been developed and changed to match the demands of the moment. Dover Castle has been involved in several conflicts and wars, notably World War II.

Although the castle is no longer in military service, certain parts of the structure have been maintained to give visitors an impression of what it would have been like to be inside during a battle.

Here are the top 10 interesting facts about Dover Castle.

1. It’s been dubbed the “Key to England”

Castle Dover by Schlamniel from Wikimedia Commons

Dover Castle is located in southeast England, just close to the town of Dover on a tiny hill appropriately named “Castle Hill,” overlooking the Strait of Dover. It is home to one of England’s major ferry ports.

Because of its strategic location on the quickest route over the English Channel to France, it has been dubbed the “Key to England,” which literally means that if you wish to conquer England, you must first seize the Castle of Dover.

2. It is most likely from the Iron Age

Archaeologists have discovered Iron Age artefacts (500-332 B.C.). These are earthworks that were not associated with the medieval castle.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Dover Castle is that the Medieval castle defences follow a unique layout. It’s quite improbable that the castle would have been built this way if there wasn’t already some form of foundation in place. This leads historians to believe that the original castle was a “hillfort” that existed many years before the Medieval fortress was built.

3. The Romans were also present in the area

Bedroom in Dover Castle by Nilfanion from Wikimedia Commons

The Roman conquest of Britain began in 43 A.D., and they left behind several impressive constructions. One of them is located on the grounds of Dover Castle and is one of the world’s three remaining Roman Lighthouses.

The Roman lighthouse has five floors and eight sides, and it is thought to have been erected in the early second century. It was built of tufa, Kentish ragstone, and red bricks and has held up surprisingly well.

The lighthouse is not only the highest still-standing Roman construction in England but it is also thought to be the oldest still-standing structure in the entire United Kingdom!

4. Dover was one of the five most prominent towns in southeast England

Dover castle by Felvalen from Wikimedia Commons

Dover was a significant member of the “Confederation of Cinque Ports,” a historic grouping of coastal towns in Kent, Susses, and Essex. Hastings, New Romney, Hythe, Dover, and Sandwich were among these towns.

The term “Cinque Ports” originates in Anglo-Saxon times, right prior to the Norman Conquest of Britain in 1066.

5. In 1066, the fortress was destroyed by fire

In 1066, William the Conqueror conquered Britain and certainly landed first in Kent. Following the Battle of Hastings in October of that year, which marked the beginning of the conquest, he took a brief detour to pillage various castles before proceeding to Westminster Abbey.

The strongholds of Romney, Dover, and Canterbury stood in his way. Dover Castle was no match for William and his troops, and it was burnt to the ground when they took control. He then utilized the old castle’s clay as the flooring for his new and better castle.

6. Henry II used his wealth to rebuild Dover Castle

Dover Castle by Sakralamn from Wikimedia Commons

William the Conqueror’s castle was erected in just 8 days, which means it didn’t look anything like it does now, and nothing from that time period remains.

King Henry II reconstructed the castle in such a way that various portions of his work may still be seen today, such as the outer baileys and the main tower, or keep.

One of the most incredible facts about Dover Castle is that Henry II spent nearly all of his money on improvements. He must have enjoyed the area so much that he spent £6,500 on it between 1179 and 1188, which was the majority of his income!

7. Henry II used his money to rebuild Dover Castle

Dover Castle by Lieven Smits from Wikimedia Commons

Dover Castle was besieged by Louis VIII during the First Barons’ Conflict (1215-1217), a civil war in England between a group of rebellious landowners and Louis VIII of France and King John of England.

Dover Castle held a great deal of political importance due to its strategic location, making it a critical target for Louis VIII.

Even though he was able to access the castle via a tunnel excavated beneath the weak north gate, he was unable to seize the fortress. Instead, the English castle defenders excavated their own tunnel and assaulted the French.

8. Parliamentarians took it during the English Civil War

When the first official list of Cinque Ports Confederation Members was established in 1293, Stephen The Pencester became the first warden of the Cinque Ports.

During his tenure as warden, a windmill was installed atop one of Dover Castle’s turrets. Tower 22 was eventually dubbed the “Windmill Tower.” This windmill was only razed during the Anglo-American War in 1812.

9. Dover Castle was critical to the Anglo-French Survey

In 1642, Dover Castle was in the hands of the King, but it was captured by a party of ten parliamentarians led by a local businessman called Richard Dawkes.

On August 21, 1642, they attempted and succeeded in an incredible night raid. They were successful in obtaining the keys from the porter’s lodge and making their way inside. Soon after, the garrison to which they belonged was summoned. The castle was seized without firing a single shot!

10. During the Napoleonic Wars, it was used as a barracks for troops

The Anglo-French survey was the first precise survey conducted in the United Kingdom. It was carried out by General William Roy with the goal of determining the relative position of Greenwich Observatory and the Paris Observatory. One of the most crucial observation spots for the cross-channel sightings was Dover Castle.

So is the castle worth visiting? Dover Castle is worth a visit merely for the castle, as it is one of the best-preserved in England. However, when you include the cathedral, lighthouse, and the history of the hidden wartime tunnels and subterranean hospital, the entire site takes on a new dimension.