Deal Castle
Deal Castle, was one in a chain of coastal fortresses to be built at great speed between 1539 and 1540, by the order of King Henry VIII who feared an invasion by the Catholic power of Europe.
Deal castle was the largest of three forts in the area besides Walmer and Sandown. In the middle of Deal Castle a round tower was built, which was strong enough to carry guns on top. Around this tower, six smaller round towers were built from which it was possible to watch outside of the fortifications for enemies. These outer bastions originally could carry four guns on their flat roofs and a three guns on the level below. The design of the castle allowed for 66 guns in total that could be mounted, and 53 handguns could be fired through firing-holes at basement level. Around the year of 1570, the six outer bastions were filled up with soil. Most probably it was to strengthen the gun mounts on the top levels.
The castle never came under siege until the civil war in 1648. It took the parlamental forces about three months to concquor the three forts. Repairs were made to the castles in the 1720s. After the napoleonic wars ended in 1815, the forts no longer had a military or strategic function.
Opening Hours:
| Dates | Opening Times |
Opening Days |
| 21 Mar - 30 Sep |
10am - 6pm |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| (Closes 5pm Sat) |
Entrance Fees:
Adult: £4.20; Children: £2.10; Concession: £3.40; English Heritage Members: Free; Other: Family Ticket: £10.50
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