Scheduled MonumentsEnglandTonbridge Castle

Tonbridge Castle

England
List entry 1013359
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Tonbridge Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress founded in the late eleventh century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. The castle was established by Richard FitzGilbert de Clare and became a significant stronghold controlling the valley of the River Medway in Kent. The monument is characterised by a substantial earthwork mound surrounded by defensive ditches, with the remains of a stone gatehouse of twelfth-century construction that once guarded the bailey. The castle underwent periods of development and modification through the medieval period and remains one of the more impressive examples of Norman military architecture in south-east England, now managed as a heritage site open to public visitation.

Tonbridge Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1013359. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Tonbridge Castle?

Tonbridge Castle is a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress founded in the late eleventh century, shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1013359.

Who is responsible for protecting Tonbridge Castle?

Tonbridge 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 1013359.

What other scheduled monuments are near Tonbridge Castle?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Medieval hall at No 186 High Street (0.3 km), Town banks (0.3 km), Castle Hill earthworks, Tonbridge (3.3 km).

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