Built by Henry VIII at a time when England seemed vulnerable to invasion, Deal Castle has watched over the Kentish coast for nearly 500 years.
Delve into the history of this remarkable Tudor fort, from its intriguing shape intended to repel foreign ships to the time it came under siege from forces closer to home. Learn about the men who were named captain of Deal, and uncover the centuries of secret graffiti that lie hidden on the castle?s roof.
- The castle was built in 1539?40, and was the centre of a network of three Tudor artillery forts that included Walmer to the south and Sandown to the north.
- On 27 December 1539, Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII?s new wife-to-be, landed at Deal and rested at the unfinished castle before continuing on her journey to meet the king.
- In 1639, the Battle of the Downs ? a naval battle between the Spanish and the Dutch ? took place in the English Channel in sight of Deal Castle. Several Spanish vessels were sunk and 2,000 sailors came ashore at Deal and Dover.
- The castle came under siege during the English Civil War in 1648, when soldiers loyal to Charles I fought Parliamentarians in several bloody encounters.
- During the Second World War, the castle was brought back into service to guard the coast from German forces in the Channel.
- Deal Castle has a captain. In the past, the captain would maintain the castle and assist in the military administration in the area. In the 18th century, a house for the captain was built at the castle.
- In Tudor times, Deal?s captains were local men, but through the centuries, captains have been appointed from the armed forces, politics and diplomatic service. The position exists to this day, but is now ceremonial.