Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDover Castle

Dover Castle

England
List entry 1019075
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Dover Castle is a medieval fortress occupying a commanding position on the white cliffs above Dover Harbour in Kent. The site has been fortified since the Iron Age, but the castle's principal structures date from the Norman period onwards, with the iconic keep built by Henry II in the 1180s as one of the finest examples of 12th-century military architecture in England. The castle underwent significant expansion and modification during subsequent centuries, particularly in response to changing military technology and continental threats, and its defensive systems were substantially enhanced during the Napoleonic Wars. The site remains one of England's most important castles, demonstrating the evolution of medieval fortification design across nearly nine centuries of continuous military significance and occupation.

Dover Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1019075. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dover Castle?

Dover Castle is a medieval fortress occupying a commanding position on the white cliffs above Dover Harbour in Kent. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1019075.

Who is responsible for protecting Dover Castle?

Dover Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1019075.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dover Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St James' Church (0.4 km), St Martin's Church (0.8 km), Saxon shore fort bastion, Queen Street (0.8 km).

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