One of the most significant upgrades came during the reign of King Edward III in the 14th century, at the height of the Hundred Years’ War with France. Edward III reinforced the castle’s curtain walls, added additional towers, and improved the defenses against artillery — which was becoming more prominent in warfare.
Dover Castle was tested several times during this era:
- The Siege of 1216: During the First Barons’ War, King John’s reign faced rebellions and foreign invasions. The castle remained loyal to the crown and successfully resisted French-backed rebel forces.
- The Siege of 1450: During the Wars of the Roses, Dover was besieged by rebel forces but withstood the attack.
Perhaps the most famous siege was during the English Civil War (1642–1651), where Dover’s strategic importance was again evident. The castle saw action during this tumultuous period, changing hands between Royalist and Parliamentary forces.
Tudor Fortifications: Preparing for Gunpowder Warfare
The advent of gunpowder and cannons in the late 15th and early 16th centuries necessitated a new approach to castle defenses. Traditional medieval castles were vulnerable to artillery bombardment, and Dover Castle was no exception.
Under the reign of Henry VIII, Dover Castle underwent extensive modernization as part of a national program to fortify key coastal defenses against potential invasions, particularly from France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Between 1539 and 1540, Henry VIII commissioned the construction of a complex of artillery fortifications around the castle, including:
- The Gun Platforms and Bastions: These provided vantage points for mounting heavy cannon to defend the cliffs and the harbor.
- The Drop Redoubt: A concentric fortification below the main castle designed to withstand artillery and infantry assault.
- Improved Curtain Walls: Reinforced and lowered to better absorb cannon fire.
These Tudor fortifications made Dover Castle one of the most advanced artillery forts of its time in England. Henry VIII’s investment ensured the castle’s continued relevance in the face of evolving military technology. shutdown123