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

During an archaeological excavation undertaken within the former site of the south barbican at Dover Castle the footings of the former Arthurs gate were uncovered. (location accurate to the nearest 1m based on available information)

Monument Types

• GATE TOWER (Demolished, Medieval to Post Medieval - 1199 AD? to 1750 AD?)

Full description

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

During an archaeological excavation undertaken within the former site of the south barbican at Dover Castle the footings of the former Arthurs gate were uncovered. These had been destroyed to a depth of several inches below the level of its passage road. The footings comprised a northern block which was in a different rubble from the rest with one face aligned with the inner face of the rectangular tower on its north western side. They also included the provision for a sliding bridge with two well built partitions, providing three channels and a rear wall, all set on or in the natural chalk and clay. The bridge pit formed a deep termination to the shallow ditch around the barbican, its deepest point was nearly 4m below the probable walking level of the bridge. This gate appears to have retained the same basic form throughout its existence and was presumably built soon after the south curtain had been completed and the barbican separated. The gate never appears to have been a strong one and the bridge footing with three slits which constitutes its chief remains was not adapted for a bascule bridge, but apparently for a clumsy and practically indefensible bridge that slid horizontally in flat bottomed grooves. (1)

<1> S. E. Rigold, 1967, Excavations at Dover Castle 1964-1966 (Article in serial). SKE52109.

Sources and further reading

Related records