Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

Says Tower, which is located between Peverells Tower and Cannons Gate, along the south western outer curtain wall of Dover Castle is one of a series of 13th-century towers dating from the reign of Henry III (1216-1272). It is one of three towers located along this stretch of the curtain wall, all of a similar date and in a similar style. (Gatton’s and Hurst towers are the other two). All of these have been altered or reduced in height to accommodate later (17th/18th-century) military requirements. (location accurate to the nearest 1m based on available information)

Monument Types

• TOWER (Altered, Medieval to Modern - 1217 AD to 2050 AD)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

Says Tower, which is located between Peverells Tower and Cannons Gate, along the south western outer curtain wall of Dover Castle is one of a series of 13th-century towers dating from the reign of Henry III (1216-1272). It is one of three towers located along this stretch of the curtain wall, all of a similar date and in a similar style. (Gatton’s and Hurst towers are the other two). All of these have been altered or reduced in height to accommodate later (17th/18th-century) military requirements.

The plan of the base of the tower is rectangular, reduced to a D-shape at ground level by corner ‘spurs’. The tower has a long loop at the lower level (W) and two loops at or above ground (N & S), and a drain exit on the lower N wall. The full D-shape of the tower returns as a slight projection inside the curtain wall, and now extended by flank walls provided a revetment to the rampart; the rear wall is of brick, perhaps of c.1800, supporting a brick vault. The parapet has a post-medieval artillery modification, with two wide splays, presumably for some form of pivotgun. (summarised from sources) (1-2)

<1> English Heritage, 2014, Dover Castle Conservation Management Plan Volume 2 Gazetteer (Unpublished document). SKE52105.

<2> Johnathan Coad, 1995, English Heritage Book of Dover Castle and the Defences of Dover (Monograph). SKE52106.

Sources and further reading

Related records