PreviousWalmer Castle
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.Walmer Castle was originally designed as a artillery fort with provisions to hold 39 guns. Built to a concentric design, Walmer Castle had a circular keep at its centre and was surrounded by low curtain walls. Unlike the high walls of bygone days, the squat structure reduced the target area in an age of improved gun warfare. These defences were enhanced with four semi-circular bastions projecting from the curtain walls and mounted with guns. The gatehouse at the northern bastion provided the entrance to Walmer Castle across the moat which was protected by 32 gun loops.
The threat from across the English Channel never materialized into any action at Walmer Castle and it was not until the execution of Charles I and the outbreak of the English Civil War that the defences were put to the test. The Parliamentarians attacked the three sister castles of Deal, Walmer and Sandown. Inadequate provisions and men at Walmer brought its fall after a three week siege. It took Colonel Rich who led the Parliamentarian forces three months to capture them all.
The beginning of the 18th century saw Walmer Castle enter an age of grandeur. In 1708, Walmer Castle became the main residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. In return for services in the form of men and ships, the Cinque Ports gained self-government, immunity from taxation, and a blind eye turned towards smuggling. Initially, the Warden supervised and regulated the affairs of the Confederation but the establishment of the Royal Navy led to a decline in the Cinque Ports and the office would become an honorary one bestowed in reward for services to the state.
Walmer Castle's new ceremonial role led to its transformation from a bare artillery garrison to stately home. In 1708, the Duke of Dorset became the first Lord Warden to take up residence at Walmer Castle. He extended living quarters from the keep and began a trend in which successive wardens would improve their accommodation. In 1792, William Pitt the Younger was appointed Lord Warden and with the help of his niece Lady Stanhope planted the gardens. His days here are commemorated in the Pitt Room where you'll see items of his personal property on display. Pride of place goes to Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington. Lord Warden from 1829 to 1852, he is one of history's greatest strategists and generals. He succeeded in defeating Napoleon in six major battles and commanded the Allied-Anglo Forces in the Battle of Waterloo. Many personal effects of the Duke are now on display at Walmer Castle. You can see the telescope he used to scan the coast in fear of a fresh French invasion, his spartan bedroom, the yellow chintz chair in which he passed away on 14 September 1852 and an original pair of Wellington Boots!
Other famous Lord Wardens at Walmer include Sir Winston Churchill. Appointed to the office in 1941, he refused to stay at Walmer Castle as it lay within the range of enemy guns. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a frequent visitor at Walmer and some of the apartments in which she stayed are open to visitors. Also worth your while is a visit to the Queen Mother's Garden, a 95th birthday present designed by Penelope Hobhouse. The magnificent gardens are complemented by a woodland walk, croquet lawn, wild flower meadow and a kitchen garden.
In 2004 the office of Lord Warden was granted to Baron Boyce, the former Chief of the Naval Staff. Admiral Baron Boyce is a member of the House of Lords who spoke out against servicemen taking liability for actions in reality committed by the politicians who ordered them. Please note that Walmer Castle is closed to visitors when the Lord Warden is in residence.
Location
Address: Kingsdown Road
Postcode: CT14 7LJ
Town/city or near: Walmer
County: Kent
Admission
Adults: £5.95
Children: £3.00
Opening Times
Open daily in March from 10am to 4pm and from May to 30th September between 10am and 6pm (4pm on Saturdays). During the month of October open from Wednesday to Sunday between 10am and 4pm. Closed when the Lord Warden is in residence.
English Heritage
