Castles in Kent Trivia Quiz

Answer: Dover Castle

Built in the 12th century, on what was believed to be a former Iron Age fortification, Dover Castle has commanding views across the English Channel to Northern France and Calais.

Because of its strategic importance, Dover Castle has been described as the "Key to England", given its command over ships passing through the English Channel and at a point where England is at the closest point to mainland Europe. As such, Dover Castle was a prime objective for enemy forces, and saw its fortification modified over the coming centuries, including secret underground tunnels.

Even in World War 2 the castle saw service, including being the operations base for Operation Dynamo, the evacuation of British Troops from Dunkirk.

English Heritage now own Dover Castle, and it is open to visitors.

Answer: Hever Castle

Built at the end of the 13th century, Hever Castle became the home of the Boleyn family in the mid 15th century, when it was converted into a moated manor house. Although Anne Boleyn was its most famous resident, Hever also became a home to American millionaire William Waldorf Astor, who renovated Hever in the early 20th century.

Today, Hever is open to the public for tours, and contains collections relating to Anne Boleyn as well as torture devices and extensive gardens.

Answer: Deal and Walmer

Deal and Walmer Castles are really Tudor Gun Forts, used for artillery to prevent an enemy invasion force from attempting to land at certain key locations and to protect the safe anchorage off the Goodwin Sands. Deal and Walmer castles formed part of a chain of fortifications that stretch around the southern coast of England.

The design of Deal Castle resembles that of a Tudor Rose from the air and is unchanged from when it was first built. Walmer Castle, on the other hand, was modified into a more comfortable residence for the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Amongst those who have held this post are the Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Both Deal and Walmer castles are open to the public and run by English Heritage.

Answer: Rochester Castle

Built in the late 12th century, Rochester Castle has a commanding view across the River Medway and the nearby crossing point. As such, it was of strategic importance, and captured during the 1st Barons War during King John's reign. John laid siege to the castle, only finally getting through the defences by undermining the keep and setting fire to a large amount of pig fat. The resulting fire cracked the foundations of the keep, bringing one of the towers down. Only when those besieged in the castle surrendered due to starvation did the castle finally fall.

The castle is open to the public and run by English Heritage.

Answer: Lympne Castle

Lympne Castle dates back to Roman times, associated with the remains of a former Roman shore fort - named Stutfall Castle - that lays on the hillside beneath Lympne Castle.

Over the centuries, Lympne Castle was modified and renovated, right up to the early 20th century. Currently Lympne Castle is used for private functions and weddings. It is not however to be confused with the nearby Port Lympne manor, which is part of the Aspinall Foundation, and now a zoo.

Answer: Upnor Castle

Built to protect ships at anchor, Upnor Castle saw various phases of construction during the Elizabeth era. During the English Civil War, control of the castle changed hands a number of times. The castle finally saw action for the purpose it was designed for when the Dutch navy attacked Chatham in 1667.

English Heritage now owns the castle and it is open to the public.

Answer: Scotney Castle

First built in the later 12th century, Scotney Castle was never finished, and was more a fortified manor, than actual castle. Today only one tower survives of the old castle, with a later house built amongst the ruins. Upon a hill, overlooking the castle in the "new" castle, built in the 19th century.

The National Trust now owns Scotney Castle and it is open most of the year to the public.

Answer: Canterbury Castle

Built post-Norman Conquest, Canterbury Castle was one of three royal castles in Kent - the others being Rochester and Dover. However, the castle saw little use, and became a prison before falling into disrepair.

Canterbury City Council now owns the castle, and is open to the public free of charge.

Answer: Leeds Castle

Sited in a lake formed by the River Len, Leeds Castle takes its name from the nearby village of Leeds. Although initially built at the beginning of the 12th century, the castle was modified over the following centuries, with the last major rebuild done during the 19th century.

The castle was a favourite with royalty, at one time being the favourite castle of Edward 1st, whilst Henry VIII used it as a home for his first wife Catherine of Aragon.

The castle is now open to the public, including the grounds and golf course.

Answer: Richborough Castle

Although the walls of Richborough Castle are of later Roman construction, the outlines of a few buildings still remain, including a Triumphal Arch, built to commemorate the final conquest of Britain by Agricola. Throughout its life, Richborough saw various uses - both military and non-military, acting as a gateway into Roman Britain, and later Saxon settlement.

This castle, like others mentioned in my quiz, belongs to English Heritage, and is open to the public.