Scheduled MonumentsEnglandSandsfoot Castle

Sandsfoot Castle

England
List entry 1020062
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Sandsfoot Castle is a coastal artillery fort built by Henry VIII in the 1530s as part of his programme of national defence against foreign invasion. Constructed on the western side of Weymouth harbour in Dorset, the castle was designed with a distinctive bastioned plan to mount cannon and command the entrance to the anchorage. The fortress was garrisoned during the Tudor period and remained in military use through subsequent centuries, though it gradually declined in strategic importance as naval technology evolved. The castle's remains, now partially eroded by coastal processes, consist of flint and ashlar stonework and survive as a significant example of early modern military architecture.

Sandsfoot Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1020062. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Sandsfoot Castle?

Sandsfoot Castle is a coastal artillery fort built by Henry VIII in the 1530s as part of his programme of national defence against foreign invasion. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1020062.

Who is responsible for protecting Sandsfoot Castle?

Sandsfoot 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 1020062.

What other scheduled monuments are near Sandsfoot Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Nothe Fort, tramway and searchlight battery at The Nothe (1.8 km), Portland Castle (3.2 km), Earl of Abergavenny (3.7 km).

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