Guidebook: Walmer Castle
Walmer Castle was built in 1539 at the instigation of Henry VIII. It was one of a chain of coastal artillery forts designed to protect England from possible invasion by Spain. Over time, however, its defences became increasingly old-fashioned, and from 1708 it became the official home of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, an office held by many famous people, including the first Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and the late Queen Mother.