© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)
Tonbridge Castle is a Norman fortification founded shortly after 1066 by Richard de Clare, a prominent Anglo-Norman baron. The castle is dominated by a striking motte and bailey earthwork, surmounted by a substantial gatehouse of flint and stone construction that dates primarily to the late twelfth century. The site retains substantial portions of its medieval curtain wall and defensive ditches, which were significantly enhanced during the thirteenth century. The castle served as an important strategic stronghold in the lordship of Tonbridge throughout the medieval period and underwent periodic renovation and reinforcement to maintain its military effectiveness.
Tonbridge Castle is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1013359. View the official record →
Tonbridge Castle is a Norman fortification founded shortly after 1066 by Richard de Clare, a prominent Anglo-Norman baron. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1013359.
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.
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).
This page is just one thread. A full Aubrey report pulls together 15 strands of Tonbridge Castle's history, each drawn from the record and mapped to the exact spot:
Every location is different. Not every section appears for every place, only what the historical record actually holds turns up in a report.
Tonbridge Castle stands on Wealden Group, bedrock that formed in the Barremian. The rock here is sandstone and siltstone, interbedded.