DOVER
CASTLE.

The Key to England

PREPARED BY SAMARIN KIRILLSEPTEMBER 2026ARTIST’S RECONSTRUCTION

01 GEOGRAPHY

Geography made Dover
England’s gateway.

The castle overlooks the shortest sea crossing between England and continental Europe.

A high coastal position gave its defenders a commanding view of the Channel.

Control of Dover protected a vital route for travel, trade and armies.

Source: English Heritage, History of Dover Castle

THE STRAIT OF DOVER SCHEMATIC MAP

ENGLANDFRANCEENGLISH CHANNELDOVERcastle hillCALAISFrench coastNA diagram of the crossing, not a navigational map

02 ORIGINS

ROMAN PHAROS & ST MARY IN CASTRO · ARTIST’S RECONSTRUCTION

ROMAN ERA

A lighthouse guided ships into the harbour below.

c. 1000

St Mary in Castro rose beside the surviving Roman tower.

1066

William the Conqueror took Dover and strengthened its hilltop defences.

Source: English Heritage, History of Dover Castle