- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1179 · 12th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- England, United Kingdom
- Style
- medieval architecture
- Commissioned by
- Henry II of England
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 51.1283°, 1.3235°
History
On the chalk hill above the Strait of Dover the Romans built a lighthouse and the Anglo-Saxons a church. The present fortress was raised by Henry II in the 1180s, with a massive keep and rings of walls. In 1216 the castle, defended by Hubert de Burgh, withstood a siege by Prince Louis of France, although the attackers managed to undermine and bring down one of the gate towers. During the Napoleonic Wars tunnels were dug into the cliff beneath the castle to house the garrison, and in 1940 Admiral Bertram Ramsay directed the evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk from inside them.
What to see
The Great Tower has been fitted out with colourful recreations of its interiors in Henry II's time, including the royal chambers and chapel. Underground you can explore the medieval tunnels linked to the castle's defence and the Secret Wartime Tunnels, with displays on Operation Dynamo and a hospital. Within the fortress the Roman lighthouse stands beside the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary in Castro, and on a clear day the French coast is visible from the walls.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q950970
Popularity: articles about this site in 36 Wikimedia projects (Wikipedia language editions and others).