Tonbridge Castle

Tonbridge Castle is situated in the town of the same name, Kent, England.

Early history

Following the Norman Conquest, Richard Fitz Gilbert was granted land in Kent to guard the crossing of the River Medway. He erected a simple Motte-and-bailey castle on the site. To dig the moat and erect the motte 50,000 tonnes of earth were moved. In 1088, the de Clare family (descendents of Fitz Gilbert) rebelled against King William II. His army besieged the castle. After holding for two days the castle fell and as punishment the king had both the castle and the town of Tonbridge burnt to the ground. Before 1100, the de Clares replaced the wooden castle with a stone shell keep. This was reinforced during the thirteenth century, and in 1295 a stone wall was built around the town.

The twin towered gatehouse was built by Richard de Clare, sixth Earl of Hertford or his son Gilbert. The gatehouse shares many similarities with the ones at Caerphilly Castle built by Gilbert in 1268-1271. The great seal of England was temporarily kept here during one of Edward's visits to France.

The castle was not lived in between 1521 and the late 18th century, except for a short period during the civil war. The mansion was added in 1793. Both castle and mansion are Grade I......
Read More