Dover Castle: A Walking Tour Inside a Fortress of Secrets
Free Tours by Foot - London・60 minutes read
Dover Castle in England, with its complex of buildings over 2,000 years old, has served various purposes throughout history, showcasing its strategic importance on the English Channel and playing a crucial role in both the First and Second World Wars, as well as several historical events. The castle's history includes the murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett, strategic sieges and defenses against invaders, and its vital role in the "Miracle of Dunkirk" evacuation during World War II.
Insights
- Dover Castle, known as "the key to England," has a rich history spanning centuries, serving various purposes from guiding Romans to resisting invasions and playing a crucial role in the Second World War through hidden tunnels.
- The murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral, orchestrated by four knights, led to a series of events involving excommunication, false accusations, and Henry II's penance, showcasing the complex relationship between church and state in medieval England.
- The "Miracle of Dunkirk" during World War II, where Rear Admiral Bertram Ramsay orchestrated Operation Dynamo for the successful evacuation of over 338,000 troops, highlights the resilience and determination of the British Expeditionary Force in the face of adversity, symbolizing the Dunkirk spirit.
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Recent questions
What is the history of Dover Castle?
Dover Castle, located on the south coast of England, is a complex of buildings over 2,000 years old, with a strategic position overlooking the English Channel. It has served various purposes throughout history, from guiding Romans to resisting invasions to playing a role in the Second World War through hidden tunnels. The castle showcases different architectural styles and historical events, making it a significant landmark in England's history.
Who was Thomas Beckett?
Thomas Beckett was appointed Lord Chancellor by King Henry II in 1155 and later promoted to Archbishop. Their relationship soured when Thomas opposed Henry's proposal to hand clerics over to secular courts for sentencing. Henry falsely accused Thomas of embezzlement, leading to Thomas fleeing to France. Upon returning to England, Thomas was brutally murdered by four knights in Canterbury Cathedral, resulting in his martyrdom and sainthood.
What role did Dover Castle play in World War II?
Dover Castle served as a vital artillery fortress during World War II, with circular platforms holding anti-aircraft guns for coastal defense. Operation Dynamo, led by Rear Admiral Bertram Ramsay, orchestrated a massive evacuation plan at Dunkirk, rescuing thousands of Allied troops. The castle's underground tunnels and structures aided in its defense, showcasing its strategic importance during the war.
What is the significance of the "Miracle of Dunkirk"?
The "Miracle of Dunkirk" refers to the successful evacuation of over 338,000 troops, including the British Expeditionary Force and French soldiers, over nine days during World War II. Rear Admiral Ramsay's exceptional leadership and organizational skills were instrumental in coordinating the evacuation, with small ships playing a crucial role in rescuing troops amidst heavy German air attacks. The Dunkirk spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity is exemplified by this historic event.
What architectural features can be found at Dover Castle?
Dover Castle features a Great Tower, Colton's Gate, the Inner Bailey with the Keep, and Arthur's Hall, showcasing different historical periods and construction styles. The castle's concentric defensive walls, medieval stonework, and well-preserved chambers offer insights into royal life and historical events. The King's Hall, chapel, and kitchen exhibit medieval architecture and artifacts, highlighting the castle's rich history and significance.
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Summary
00:00
"Dover Castle: Key to England's History"
- Dover Castle, located on the south coast of England, is a complex of buildings over 2,000 years old, including towers, tunnels, turrets, and a royal castle.
- The castle's strategic position overlooking the English Channel has earned it the nickname "the key to England," attracting Romans, Anglo-Saxons, and Normans for conquests.
- The castle has served various purposes throughout history, from guiding Romans to resisting invasions to playing a role in the Second World War through hidden tunnels.
- The tour of Dover Castle begins at the Great Tower, passing through Colton's Gate, showcasing the 13th-century construction and the Kentish ragstone used in the walls.
- The Inner Bailey houses the Keep, built by King Henry II, with a wooden ceiling and a history dating back to the Battle of Hastings.
- Arthur's Hall, an 18th-century exterior concealing a medieval great hall, built for King Henry III, showcases the history of the Angevin Empire and the murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett.
- Henry II's renovation of Dover Castle aimed to create a grand fortress, showcasing his wealth and power, with concentric defensive walls and lavish hospitality for visiting dignitaries.
- Arthur's Hall, linked to a kitchen and chapel, features well-preserved medieval stonework and a model of the Great Tower, offering insights into royal chambers and historical events.
- The Keep, the last square-shaped keep in England, features a detailed entrance route, a well chamber, and a King's Hall with a medieval map of the world painted on calfskin vellum.
- The King's Hall, used for dining, ceremonies, and meetings, includes a chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas Beckett, showcasing medieval European map paintings and historical significance.
17:45
Thomas Beckett: Lord Chancellor to Archbishop Martyr
- Thomas was appointed Lord Chancellor by Henry II in 1155.
- Henry also entrusted Thomas with fostering the king's eldest son, also named Henry.
- After seven years, Thomas was promoted to Archbishop by the king.
- Henry expected Thomas to support him against the Pope, but their relationship soured.
- Thomas opposed Henry's proposal to hand clerics over to secular courts for sentencing.
- Henry falsely accused Thomas of embezzlement, leading to Thomas fleeing to France.
- Thomas returned to England, excommunicated the Archbishop of York and six bishops.
- Four knights attacked Thomas in Canterbury Cathedral, resulting in his brutal murder.
- The knights were excommunicated and banished to the Holy Land.
- Henry sought redemption by walking barefoot to Beckett's shrine and allowing monks to strike him.
36:02
Medieval castle reveals royal lifestyle and artifacts.
- The first floor of the great tower is accessed via the northeast staircase.
- A small mural chamber off the hall contains a garter robe, used for storing valuables in medieval castles.
- Toilets in medieval castles were believed to protect fabric from fleas and moths with ammonia.
- The first floor hall was likely for high-ranking guests or royal family members, more secure than upper floors.
- The hall is set up for a banquet, with original timber framing from the 1260s and mysterious mounted shields.
- The king's bed chamber on this level was used for storage during the Middle Ages.
- The ground floor may have been the kitchen, showcasing the importance of castle kitchens in displaying wealth.
- Spices were used in medieval kitchens to enhance food and were a sign of wealth.
- The bread oven in the kitchen was heated with burning coal for baking dough.
- The building next to Arthur's Hall houses the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment and the Queen's Regimental Museum, showcasing historical artifacts and stories.
53:21
"Louis' Siege on Dover Castle Foiled"
- Louis faces resistance from Dover Castle, crucial for controlling England.
- Hubert de Burgh, the castle's constable, holds off Louis' siege with 140 knights.
- Louis begins a siege on Dover Castle, cutting off its land and sea access.
- Despite initial success, Louis faces setbacks as English resistance grows.
- King Alexander II of Scotland supports Louis, but English forces resist.
- Louis' final attempt to take Dover Castle fails, leading to his retreat.
- Hubert de Burgh fortifies the castle's defenses, thwarting further attacks.
- The castle's underground tunnels and structures aid in its defense.
- The church of Saint Mary and Castro, a Saxon building, is preserved within the castle.
- A Roman lighthouse, a unique Roman Empire survival, stands near the church.
01:11:24
"Dover Castle: History of War and Defense"
- Dover Castle complex has numerous tunnels, some visible and others hidden, built by various individuals for different wars.
- Avaronshi Tower, part of the original 12th-century curtain wall, strategically placed to cover a gap in the earthwork defenses.
- Avaronshi Tower features triple arrow loops, unique in English military architecture, designed for crossbows.
- Dover Castle underwent significant restructuring by Lieutenant Colonel William Twist during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
- Dover Castle served as a vital artillery fortress during times of potential invasion, with large sums spent on its protection.
- The castle played a crucial role in supplying British armies during the First World War.
- Circular platforms at Dover Castle once held 40mm Bofors anti-aircraft guns, crucial for coastal defense during World War II.
- The Victorian-style building at Dover Castle housed troops returning from the Crimean War, emphasizing the need for improved barracks.
- The Fire Command Post and Port War Signal Station at Dover Castle served multiple functions during the First World War.
- Operation Dynamo, orchestrated by Rear Admiral Bertram Ramsay, was a massive evacuation plan during World War II, rescuing thousands of Allied troops from Dunkirk.
01:28:13
"Miracle of Dunkirk: Small Ships Save Thousands"
- Over 200 small ships, including Thames barges, cockle boats, and trawlers, are gathered to aid in the evacuation at Dunkirk, with the first convoy departing on May 29th at 10 pm amidst heavy German air attacks targeting soldiers on the breakwater.
- Despite heavy casualties, the little ships play a crucial role in rescuing troops, with a total of 47,310 soldiers saved on May 29th and 121,837 troops rescued on May 30th and 31st, leading to the successful evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force by June 2nd.
- Rear Admiral Ramsay's exceptional leadership and organizational skills are highlighted as instrumental in the "Miracle of Dunkirk," where 338,000 troops, including the BEF and French soldiers, are saved over nine days, showcasing the Dunkirk spirit of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
