BattlefieldsDeal Castle — Muster and Garrison 1539
Tudor

Deal Castle — Muster and Garrison 1539

1539
Kent, England
Also known as: Deal Device Fort muster 1539 · Henry VIII Deal Castle commissioning 1539
Era
Tudor
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
VS
Victor
Henry VIII (crown)
Outcome
Deal Castle completed and garrisoned; artillery positioned covering the Downs anchorage; first captain appointed and men-at-arms mustered
The Battle

History & Significance

Deal Castle was the centrepiece of the three Kentish Device Forts commissioned by Henry VIII in 1539 in response to the threat of a Franco-Imperial invasion. Its unique clover-leaf plan of circular bastions allowed artillery to cover the Goodwin Sands anchorage where enemy fleets could shelter. The muster at Deal in 1539 was the largest coastal military assembly in Kent since the Hundred Years War.

Casualties & Losses

None recorded

Forces Involved

c.24 gunners and garrison of around 120 men; 119 pieces of ordnance

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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