England Castles
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The castle at Arundel was constructed shortly after the Norman Conquest of Britain by Robert de Montgomery in circa 1067.
 (1 votes)
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Ancient lands, an ancient castle, ancient ghosts? Hmm, possibly. Berry Pomeroy Castle lies within an ancient Deer Park upon a natural outcrop overlooking the Gatcombe Valley. Inhabited by two of the foremost families in Devon region, Berry Pomeroy Castle is now a romantic ruins believed by some to be haunted by ancient spirits.
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Calshot Castle is a device fort built by Henry VIII as part of his chain of defences of the Solent. Following his excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church, England was politically isolated and extensive fortifications were built in expectation of invasion from across the Channel.
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Built by Henry VIII as part of a chain of defences to protect the south coast of England, Camber Castle protected the Rye anchorage. Construction began in 1539 and incorporated in its design a circular tower that had been built on the spit some 35 years earlier by Sir Edward Guldeford.
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First used as a fortification by the early Britons, Dover Castle spans
some 2000 years of history. Soon after the conquest of Britain, the Romans built
an 80 foot Pharos or lighthouse overlooking their major port. This was in
turn used as a bell-tower by the Anglo-Saxons who built the church of
St-Mary-in-Castro next to it. While these ancient structures are still standing,
an early Saxon fort and fortifications by William the Conqueror are less easy to
identify.
 (8 votes)
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Highcliffe Castle was built by Lord Stuart de Rothesay between 1831 and 1835. Designed by William Donthorne, Highcliffe Castle was constructed mostly out of medieval materials. Now a Grade 1 listed building, Highcliffe Castle remained in the ownership of the Rothesay family for over a hundred years.
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Lulworth Castle was built by Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Bindon, in the 17th century as a hunting lodge to provide entertainment for the King and Court. In 1641, Lulworth Castle was purchased by a direct ancestor of the present owners, Humphrey Weld.
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Built in the 13th century, Lydford Castle was the first purpose built prison in England. It quickly earned itself a bad reputation and was described as 'the most annoyous, contagious and detestable place within this realm.'
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A 'D' shaped fort, Nothe Fort is deemed to be the finest Victorian military structure in England. Constructed in the 1860's, Nothe Fort continued to be manned until after WWII.
 (1 votes)
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Boasting the most complete Roman walls in Britain, Pevensey Castle has borne witness to many a siege over the centuries. Its strategic location led to the modification of its fortifications as late as WWII.
 (3 votes)
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Spanning 2000 years of history, Portchester Castle offers great views over Portsmouth Harbour. On the front line in the Hundred Years War, Portchester Castle also boasts the finest surviving Roman walls in Northern Europe.
 (3 votes)
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Portland Castle is one of Henry VIII's best preserved coastal defences. Originally constructed to protect the mainland from the French, Portland Castle ironically never saw battle with an overseas invader but only against its own countrymen.
(1 votes)
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Built in the 13th century, Restormel Castle is now a romantic ruin with a well-preserved shell keep surrounded by a dry moat.
(1 votes)
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Richborough is one of the most important Roman sites in Britain. One of the landing places of the Roman army in AD43, Rutupiae Portus, went on to become one of the main supply bases for the Roman troops. As conquest over the British became certain, the base was turned into a town with a triumphal, monumental arch celebrating the empire's military success. Today, you can see the remains of this arch, the large defensive ditches surrounding the fort and the remains of the old store rooms. There are also some Saxon remains on the site; the relics of an early Saxon church and a baptismal font. On your visit, step into the museum which contains Roman weapons, coins, ornaments and some of the best examples of Roman pottery to be found in England.
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Lying directly opposite Rochester Cathedral, this Norman castle presents one of the finest examples of Norman castle architecture to be found in England. Indeed it made such a great impression on young Charles Dickens that he declared he wanted to be buried here.
(10 votes)
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An imposing fortification, the Royal Citadel looms from the sea beckoning sailors home and warning enemies against invasion. Built in the 17th century, the Royal Citadel is one of the finest fortifications of its time in Europe.
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Built by Henry VIII in the 1540's, Sandsfoot Castle saw a Civil War siege and drama in the Monmouth rebellion. Now a ruins, Sandsfoot Castle is a historic building at risk due to the unstable cliff upon which it stands.
(2 votes)
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A 16th century structure, Southsea Castle was built by Henry VIII to protect Portsmouth and a foreign invasion in an age of artillery warfare. Your tour includes a 19th century tunnel unusually conducted by a ghost!
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A cloverleaf castle built with Pendennis Castle to protect Carrick Roads, St Mawes Castle is one of the best preserved Tudor fortifications in England. Scenically situated, St Mawes Castle also boasts some fine Tudor ornamentation.
 (2 votes)
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A small blockhouse built by Henry VIII to defend Fowey's Harbour, St. Catherine's Castle is accessible from Readymoney Cove. The short trek to the top is worth the effort simply for the fantastic views you'll get over the Fowey Estuary.
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The remains of Tintagel Castle sit on a projection of land surrounded by breath-taking coastal scenery. Its occupation dates back to the Romans but Tintagel is best known for its connection to the great legend of King Arthur.
(1 votes)
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Offering fine views over Totnes to the River Dart, Totnes Castle was one of the earliest Norman strongholds in England. Built on a hill and surrounded by fortifications enclosing a high wooden tower, Totnes Castle symbolised the importance of the new Norman regime.
 (4 votes)
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Upnor Castle was constructed under the orders of Elizabeth I who wished to protect her interests anchored in the Medway.
(4 votes)
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Following Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church, England's shores were vulnerable to attack from across the English Channel. Expecting retribution from France and Spain, Henry VIII built three castles, Deal, Sandown and Walmer to protect the Downs and prevent enemy landings facilitated by areas of safe anchorage.
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A year after the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror built a castle at Winchester to protect the the government's seat and the most important stronghold at the time. Originally built in 1067, Winchester Castle defended the south west corner of the Roman town walls which surrounded Winchester.
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The bishop's palace was developed in Winchester in the 10th century. Before this the bishops had lived as part of the Winchester community of monks who ran the Winchester Cathedral Church. However, the increasingly public role of the bishop made it necessary for him to have his apartments outside the monastery.
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