This is one of the best preserved of the Tudor castles and first constructed on the orders of King Henry VIII following his break with the Catholic countries of Europe when it was firmly believed, and with some justification, that the French and probably the Spanish too, would try to invade England and put a Catholic monarch on our throne. Beautifully looked after by English Heritage, this castle has the distinction of being, from above, the perfect epitome in stone, of the Tudor Rose. At the time this was additionally the latest, state-of-the-art in fortification.
One mile, a pleasant walk, along the coast is the next in the line, Warmer Castle. This is more interesting but less authentic, having been tidied up quite a bit.
Not a fantastic amount to actually DO at Deal but for a place to bring children to climb and consider our history, a wonderfully atmospheric and interesting, virtually complete, best part of 600 year old ‘real’ fortress.
