Reculver Saxon Shore fort, Anglo-Saxon monastery and associated remains

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Reculver is a Roman Saxon Shore fort built in the third century AD to defend the Kent coast against Saxon raiders, occupying a strategic position on the Isle of Thanet where it commanded the Wantsum Channel. The fort was subsequently reoccupied in the Anglo-Saxon period and became the site of a substantial monastery founded in the seventh century, which operated as an important religious centre until its abandonment following Viking raids. The remains visible today include the distinctive twin towers of the later Anglo-Saxon church, which served as a landmark for shipping and survive as prominent coastal features. Archaeological investigation has revealed extensive evidence of the fort's defensive structures, occupation sequences spanning the Roman and early medieval periods, and the monastic settlement that developed within and around the Roman defences.

Reculver Saxon Shore fort, Anglo-Saxon monastery and associated remains is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1018784. View the official record →

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