The inner bailey of Dover Castle was built for King Henry II by his engineer Maurice largely between 1179 and 1199, and it contained the Great Tower, which formed the ceremonial, defensive and administrative core of the castle. A much larger outer bailey, defended by a wall and towers, was also begun by Henry II and was completed in the 13th century. Henry II was the most powerful European monarch of his day, and Dover was one of Europe’s strongest castles, serving as a prominent display of his power at a gateway to England. Between 1217 and 1244, King Henry III provided more convenient modern buildings within the inner bailey, and part of one, Arthur’s Hall, still survives. Other buildings there today belong to the 18th- and 19th-century barracks.

Photo: Michael Herrick

Photo: Michael Herrick