The White Cliffs of Dover have served as a natural defense since the time of Roman Britannia, 2,000 years ago. Later Dover Castle was built, then a network of defensive tunnels — used as a command center by the English during the Battle of Britain.
Why was Dover Castle built where it was?
Dover Castle was first constructed by William I (aka William the Conqueror, r. 1066-1087 CE). The Norman king built many other castles such as at Windsor and the Tower of London because he needed both to cement his new regime and provide a network of secure abodes as he toured his realm.
Why was Dover built?
Roman Dover
Dover is the gateway to England. Because of its strategic position, Dover has always been an important port. In Roman times Dover was an important harbor. The Romans built a stone fort to protect it and a civilian settlement grew up nearby.
Why did King Henry build Dover Castle?
THE GREAT TOWER AT DOVER CASTLE
He wanted to create the most sophisticated castle design in Europe. The castle’s centrepiece was the huge Great Tower. It was designed to be both an imposing defensive structure and to provide luxurious quarters for the king and his guests.
Why was Dover Castle so important?
It was one of the first Norman castles in England, established in 1066. Later, in 1216, it resisted French siege; and held strong against the Napoleonic wars of the 1800s. It was even used in World War II as a base for one of Britain’s finest moments: the rescue of Dunkirk.
Why are the cliffs of Dover famous?
The White Cliffs are hugely iconic in Britain – and for the most part, that’s due to their place in military history. They sit across the narrowest part of the Channel, facing towards continental Europe at its closest point to Britain and forming a symbolic guard against invasion.
Why did the cliffs near Dover become a symbol of England?
“The cliffs are a symbol the British identify with because they stand immovable. “Just as they provide a barrier to the outside world, they also provide a link because you can see France.”
Why is it called Dover?
The town is the administrative centre of the Dover District and home of the Port of Dover. Archaeological finds have revealed that the area has always been a focus for peoples entering and leaving Britain. The name derives from the River Dour that flows through it.
Can you visit the tunnels under Dover Castle?
You too can experience the incredible adventure underground. Take a journey into the past on a guided tour of the tunnels with one of our expert volunteers, peering into the darkness and back in time into a different world, hidden within the cliffs.
How deep is the well in Dover Castle?
85m deep
A deep well is located within the Keep of Dover castle in a small room (16ft X 8ft) within the wall between the upper landing of the grand staircase and the Banqueting Hall. The well is at least 85m deep, the upper c.
Did the Queen ever visit Dover Castle?
DOVER. In March 1958, the Queen and Prince Philip visited Dover on their way home from Holland. Disembarking the Royal Yacht Britannia, the royal couple were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent and cheering crowds, before being driven up to Dover Castle.
Why did Becket and Henry fall out?
Later in 1162, Thomas Becket resigned from his position as Chancellor. He wanted to concentrate on increasing the power and influence of the Church. This angered Henry and relations between the two deteriorated . In 1164, Henry tried to pass a set of laws called the Constitutions of Clarendon.
Whats the biggest castle in England?
Described as the ‘Key to England’ throughout history due to its function as a defen ce point off the Southern coast, Dover Castle is considered one of the most famous British castles, and the largest in England.
What’s the oldest castle in England?
Windsor Castle
Just to the west of London lies the world’s oldest and largest inhabited castle, having been a royal residence for around 950 years.
What is special about Dover?
Famous for its spectacular chalk cliffs, the White Cliffs, Dover is one of Britain’s principal cross-channel ports. Yet despite the opening of the Channel Tunnel to Calais, many visitors to the country still choose to arrive by ferry for the magnificent views of Kent’s lovely coastline.
Is Dover Castle the largest in England?
Dover Castle in the port town of Dover in Kent is England’s largest castle and one of its most important and historic fortresses.
Why are blue birds over the White Cliffs of Dover?
Background. The song was written about a year after the Royal Air Force and German Luftwaffe aircraft had been fighting over southern England, including the white cliffs of Dover, in the Battle of Britain. Nazi Germany had conquered much of Europe and in 1941 was still bombing Britain.
How old is the White Cliffs of Dover?
The cliffs are composed mainly of coccoliths and trace their origins to the Cretaceous Period, approximately 136 million years ago, when the area between Britain in the west and Sweden/Poland in the east was submerged under deep tropical waters.
What is White Cliffs famous for?
The White Cliffs of Dover are perhaps most famous as an iconic landmark, the white chalk face a symbol of home and war time defense, but they have so much more to offer; stunning views, a serene walk and a wealth of wildlife.
Can you walk along the White Cliffs of Dover?
We have a wheelchair friendly footpath that leads to a viewing point, ideal if you just want a short walk to see the iconic cliffs. This all weather path is built with a staggered incline, allowing a few breathers on the way up and is ideal if the weather is bad.
Are the White Cliffs of Dover the same as the Seven Sisters?
The Seven Sisters cliffs in Sussex are a stunning nature attraction on the south coast of England. Perhaps you have heard about the white cliffs of Dover? The cliffs became a British national symbol during World War II, but the Seven Sisters are considered both whiter and more scenic than their cousins in Dover.