Dover CastleLocal Historical Event

Researched and performed by the students of Astor College

The Castle

• Created by King Henry II.

• It was designed by the architect ‘Maurice the Engineer.’

• It was built between 1180 and 1185.

• It was one of the last castles built by the kings of England during the 11th and 12th centuries.

• IT is the largest castle in England.

A Luxury and a Warning

• The Castle was a symbol of kingly power and authority.

– The size, strength and position of the castle on the hill was a warning… England was a force to be reckoned with.

• It guarded the gateway to the realm.

• It was a palace designed for royal ceremonies.

• It also housed Henry’s travelling court.

Napoleon

• Dover is 22 miles from Calais, France and the closest point to mainland.

• The castle was a stronghold for English troops when they were faced with the threat of a French invasion.

• The castle was remodelled to provide extra gun positions on the eastern side, and constructing the Constable's Bastion for additional protection on the west.

WWII

• When WWII broke out, the tunnels under the castle were converted into air raid shelters.

• Later these same tunnels became the Military command shelter.

• More tunnels were excavated in 1941 to serve as a medical dressing station for wounded soldiers.

The Castle’s place in history and Importance

Dover Castle has remained standing for almost a thousand years and have seen its country grow and change. It’s been dug under and bombed in numerous quests for control. It has stood as a pillar of strength and resisted foreign tyrants.