BattlefieldsSiege of Dover Castle 1066 — Norman Assault
Medieval

Siege of Dover Castle 1066 — Norman Assault

1066
Kent, England
Also known as: Dover 1066 William the Conqueror · Norman capture of Dover Castle
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Siege
Location
Kent, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Dover garrison
Forces
c. 400 Dover garrison
VS
Victor
William the Conqueror
Forces
c. 3,000 Norman forces
Outcome
Dover taken; fire broke out during surrender; William paid compensation to townspeople
The Battle

History & Significance

Immediately after the Battle of Hastings, William marched to Dover — the key to England from France. The garrison, largely demoralised, attempted to submit but Norman soldiers set fire to some buildings during the takeover. William reputedly compensated the townspeople for the damage done by his soldiers. He then spent eight days at Dover strengthening the castle before moving on Canterbury. Dover Castle's importance as the key to England was acknowledged by all medieval strategists.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Aubrey Research

Explore the landscape around Kent

Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any location in Britain — drawing on Domesday records, scheduled monuments, Victorian OS maps, geological data and archaeological archives to tell the full story of a place.

Research a location near Kent