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Canterbury Castle: A Testament to Norman Legacy and Medieval Resilience

#postandearn #best_trip_by_trip #bestmoment Situated in the historic city of Canterbury, Kent, Canterbury Castle stands as a remarkable emblem of Norman military architecture and England's tumultuous medieval past. Although now a ruin, the castle's enduring presence offers a captivating glimpse into the nation's rich tapestry of history. Historical Overview Following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, William the Conqueror commissioned a series of fortifications to consolidate his rule. Canterbury Castle was among these, initially constructed as a wooden motte-and-bailey structure. The motte, or mound, is believed to be the present-day Dane John Mound, which may have originally been a Roman burial site. Between 1086 and 1120, the wooden fortification was replaced with a formidable stone keep, primarily built during the reign of Henry I. This massive structure, measuring approximately 98 by 85 feet at its base and originally standing around 80 feet tall, was constructed using flint and sandstone rubble. Evolution Through the Ages Throughout its history, Canterbury Castle played various roles. In the 13th century, it served as the county gaol, a function it maintained for several centuries. During the First Barons' War in 1216, the castle was surrendered to invading French forces. By the 19th century, the castle's strategic importance had waned. It was acquired by a gas company and repurposed as a storage facility, during which time the top floor was destroyed. Current Status and Future Prospects Today, Canterbury Castle is owned by the local authority. However, due to safety concerns stemming from falling masonry, it has been closed to the public since 2018. Despite tentative plans for restoration and reopening in 2021, as of October 2024, the castle remains closed. In a broader initiative to revitalize Canterbury's historic sites, a £22 million redevelopment project is underway. This project aims to enhance key areas, including Canterbury Castle and nearby public squares, to improve pedestrian experiences and facilitate cultural events. Visiting Information Canterbury Castle is located in the southwest quarter of the city, approximately a five-minute walk from Canterbury East Station and the main bus station. While the castle itself is currently closed, visitors can still view its impressive exterior and explore the surrounding areas, including the Dane John Gardens. Conclusion Canterbury Castle stands as a silent witness to centuries of English history, from Norman conquests to civil wars and beyond. Its enduring ruins offer a tangible connection to the past, inviting reflection on the nation's rich and complex heritage.
Posted: May 6, 2025
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📅 Itinerary - May 2025 Day1:Canterbury cathedral, Westgate river front, the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge, Dane John Memorial, walk on the city wall Day2: St. Augustine’s Abbey, the King’s school (outside), shops in the town centre, leave Canterbury before noontime 🏨 Accommodation: Hampton By Hilton 🍴 Food Recommendations: Cafe des Amis: friendly staff, vibrant atmosphere, good food 📌 Tips Canterbury Cathedral: Give plenty of time to visit the Cathedral. We spent more than three hours, on the note that we like taking photos. It’s quite big and encompasses quite a few sections both indoor and outdoor. Take a map might be helpful. If you like to take photos with less crowd in the cathedral, stay there after 4pm, when it’s the last entry, and much less visitors are around. Cafe des Amis: It’s better make a reservation to avoid any disappointment. We booked for dinner about noon time on the same day, and there was only availability after 8 pm. Queningate access to Canterbury Cathedral: Queninggate is part of the city wall, where a nice overview of the cathedral can be found. We wanted to go in with our yearly cathedral ticket, but the staff at the gate lodge insisted that we have to show the hard copy of our tickets to let us in. We had to give up as we only have digital ones. From where the Dane John memorial is, a nice skyline of the city can be seen, including the spires of the Cathedral. It’s also a nice walk along the city wall there. Parking: If you travel to Canterbury by car, stay overnight or longer, while your hotel doesn’t have free parking, the Canterbury East station car park is better value. It’s less than 10 minutes walk to town but only cost you a fractional of a daily parking charge if you park in town centre. The hourly rate in town centre is £3.70, while the daily rate at Canterbury East station is between £3.90-£6.50 depending on the day and time.

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