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

The western defences are the most prominent aspect of the castle’s defences and are largely medieval in origins and character. The western curtain wall south from the old north gateway as far as Peverell’s Gateway is attributed to the work of King John between 1204 and 1216 and marks the southernmost length of King Johns building campaign of the early C13th. (location accurate to the nearest 1m based on available information)

Monument Types

• CURTAIN WALL (Altered, Medieval to Post Medieval - 1204 AD? to 1790 AD?)

Full description

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

The western defences are the most prominent aspect of the castle’s defences and are largely medieval in origins and character. The western curtain wall south from the old north gateway as far as Peverell’s Gateway is attributed to the work of King John between 1204 and 1216 and marks the southernmost length of King Johns building campaign of the early C13th.

It seems likely that, at the time of the Great Siege (1216), there were no defences between Peverell’s Gateway and the cliff edge save for the presumed Iron Age ditch and bank. In contrast with the outer defences on the eastern side, those on the western side of Dover Castle are still essentially medieval in appearance, with substantial remains of the medieval towers and intervening lengths of curtain wall. On the western side, the outer curtain wall remains intact, although its towers with some exceptions have been reduced in height to allow clear fields of artillery fire. The wall is primarily constructed of irregular ragstone stone with openings outlined with stone quoins. (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 English Heritage, 2014, Dover Castle Conservation Management Plan Volume 2 Gazetteer (Unpublished document).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