The Castle Ruins (Kent)

Kent, Kent, England South East

Recommendation added: 25/03/2006 18:29
By: jsimons128 (YSUK rating +93)

jsimons128 has been thanked 1 times for this contribution

"Entrance to the extensive outer court is through the principle gatehouse, which dates from the 12 century. The buildings to the left are Tudor additions but the ruins in the south western corner of the court are interesting as the remains of St Peters Chapel, built in 1328. Between these ruins and the castle mat if the famous Mortimer's Tower where Hugh de Mortimer was imprisoned. This was originally a small gatehouse giving access to the castle from Dinham Bridge.
The main castle buildings are separated from the outer court by a dry moat spanned by a medieval stone bridge that replaced the ancient drawbridge. To the left is the massive Norman keep and to the right the Tudor judges lodgings built by sir Henry Sidney. Standing 73 feet high the keep forms the oldest part of the castle although the interior was substantially altered in the 15th century. It was the original castle gatehouse and the 11th century vaulted gate passage can be seen in the basement. A spiral staircase leads to the upper floors that contained residential apartments. From the top of the keep there is a fine view of the surrounding countryside.
The ruined rectangular building to the west of the inner court was the kitchen and nearby is the 120 feet deep castle well. The tower to the south west is known as the Bake house tower, taking its name from a large oven on the lower floor.
Along the north wall of the court lie the magnificent residential apartments built by Roger de Mortimer. A wide doorway in the centre leads to the great hall. To the left are the chambers known as prince Arthur's apartments where the Prince of Wales resided after his marriage in 1501 to Catherine of Aragon. At the opposite end of the hall are the 14th century state apartments and further to the right the armoury and a square tower known as the Pendower's tower. Here the two little sons of Edward IV stayed before being conveyed to the tower of London where they were murdered. In the centre of the court is the unusual circular chapel notable for its particular fine Norman decoration
A visit to the castle is best completed by a tour of the exterior so that its impressive outer walls can be fully appreciated."