Walmer Castle, Kent
It took 18 months for 1,400 workmen to construct this castle between 1539-40. The Tudor garrison comprised a Captain, Lieutenant, ten gunners, four soldiers and two porters.
In 1727, Walmer Castle was renovated and became the official residence of the Lord rts. The Duke of Wellington was appointed the Lord Warden in 1829. Queen Victoria and her family spent ten days at Walmer Castle from 10 November 1842. HMS Thunderer was moored off the Kent coastline and provided some security for the royal party during their stay at Walmer Castle. On 15 November, Victoria watched Albert visit this warship. Victoria and her family would walk along beach south towards Kingsdown and northwards towards Deal.
The Duke of Wellingtondied at Walmer Castle on 14 September 1852. On that same day, the eminent author Charles Dickens was walking from Dover to Deal and wrote that at the time he was oblivious that the old Duke had died as he was walking by the castle.
Walmer Castle is featured in ‘Henry VIII in 100 Objects’ by Paul Kendall, now available from Pen & Sword Limited with a 30 % discount during March 2026.
pen-and-sword.co.uk/Henry-VIII-in-…
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