The Keep, Dover Castle, Dover, Kent

Photograph taken May 1997 © Copyright Historic England Archive Photo Library ref: k970499

The strategic importance of Dover has long been recognised. The great Keep, built in the 1180s by King Henry II to provide both security and accomodation, was the strongpoint of the medieval Castle. It remained a military site until the end of World War II. This property is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).

Location

Kent Dover

Period

Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)

Themes

A Roman fort originally stood on this site. After the Norman Conquest it was given to William the Conqueror's half-brother. By the end of the 11th century he had constructed a full scale Norman castle using the Roman walls. It lay uninhabited from the 16th century. This property is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).

The Keep, Dover Castle, Dover, Kent

Location

Period

Themes

Tags