Dover Castle is one of the countries - if not Europe’s - mightiest fortresses. It stands proudly upon the magnificent White Cliffs overlooking the sea and guarding the shortest crossing point between England and the rest of the European continent.

The location of the current castle was built upon the remains of a pre-existing Iron Age Fort built upon this high point on the cliff tops and over the years has seen constructions built by the Romans – the Roman Lighthouse – and the Saxons – The church. Medieval tunnels also exist beneath the castle hewed into the chalk cliffs around 1216 to improve the defences offered by the fortress.

During the 16th Century the castle lost some of its importance but was again back in favour in the 1750’s when it was expanded and modernised, it was further extended in the 1870’s when gun placements were added and it remained a prominent defence right through to the end of World War II. It was from deep beneath the cliffs that the evacuation of Dunkirk was orchestrated and directed in 1940 by Vice Admiral Bertram Ramsay who had the Naval Headquarters based here. The complex of tunnels and rooms constructed beneath the cliffs were maintained for use throughout the 1960’s as a seat of Government in case of Nuclear War and were to be used as such right up to 1984 when the threat of Nuclear War diminished and the world returned to a slightly safer state.

The main feature of the fortress is the castle itself or to give it the correct name the Keep. This was constructed by Henry II in the decade from 1170 and replaced the existing building. The Keep is an impressive square stone building on 3 floors with a rich and interesting interior and which is open to the visitor throughout the year. Within the castle’s walls you can take a step back in time and imagine yourself back in the turbulent past. This place just oozes history and atmosphere. An interesting part of the keep is the Chapel of Thomas Becket, the archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered by cohorts of Henry II. Examples of the workmanship of the constructors stonemasons are evident in the form of intricate stone carvings in both the chapel and the adjoining sacristy, this whole area remains largely un-touched and retains much of its original form.

At the highest most point of the complex can be found two buildings, the Saxon Church and the Roman Lighthouse. Roman commanders developed Dover as a port in the first Century AD and the lighthouse was constructed as a guide to ships. An impressive structure which has certainly stood the test of time and remains one of the finest examples of Roman construction still standing in the UK. Next to the lighthouse is the Saxon Church dedicated to St Mary-in-Castro and dated about 1000 AD, it is typical in its construction in that it is cruciform (cross-shaped). The church has been modernised several times since its construction but remains largely unaltered. It has not always been used as a church either. During the mid 1800’s it was used as a coal store for the garrison

A truly inspiring part of the Dover Castle experience is a visit through the Medieval tunnels dug out beneath the fortress in the 1200’s. Designed as a means of providing a safe means of communication unseen by any enemy and as a gathering place for soldiers prior to attack they are a marvel of the engineering abilities of the time; linking parts of the castle to the outlying defences. Re-worked during the Napoleonic Wars and again during the mid 1800’s the complex of tunnels is quite unique.

No tour of the castle would be complete without a walk around the exterior, along the battlements, taking in the breathtaking views over the English Channel and the Kent countryside. You can walk around the entire circumference of the castle although it is not recommended for the disabled or those unsteady on their feet although parts are suitable for all. During your walk you will encounter the various ramparts and gun emplacements situated around the perimeter, parts of the original construction are visible as are various casements used to barrack soldiers and known as the Norfolk Towers. The walk takes you past a magnificent view on the South side of the original outer moat and the medieval ditch , later enlarged and lined with brick. Also visible are the four massive bastions outside of the moat built in the 1790’s by William Twiss, Royal Engineer Officer, and known as Horseshoe, Hudson’s, East Arrow and East Demi-Bastions. These all gave additional locations for weaponry to provide fire power to the flanks of the castle.

Presided over now by English Heritage and maintained to a high standard this part of our history is a must for anyone visiting Dover for anything other than crossing the channel. It is an imposing sight from sea or land and has a long, varied and colourful history.