The Dover Castle 
Introduction
The Dover Castle is often referred to as the “key of England” because it has been around for so long and so much of the British history relates to this gigantic fortress. It is the largest castle in England and it is located on the coastal portion of the island on a high cliff at the closest point to mainland Europe. Even before the creation of the castle, the location has always been popular for building forts for defensive purposes. There is evidence that clans in the Iron Age were first occupants of the Dover Cliffs. There is also strong indication that the Romans inhabited the area soon after for that exact purpose. (Needham 2014)
History of the Castle
William I (also called William the Conqueror) constructed the first Dover Castle in the eleventh century. It was built right after his victory at the Battle of Hastings, which took place in 1066. The castle was actually made out of timber and earth. The site was actually obtained by the Norman duke so that he could ensure that he would be next in line for the throne. (Jonas 2013)
Although, William I built the castle, it was completely rebuilt by King Henry II from 1179 to 1188. He essentially made it what it is today. He added many of the defensive attributes that can still be seen today. In fact, the central tower of the castle (also called “the keep”), which still stands today, was built by King Henry II. The keep served as a last point of refuge in case of an attack. This keep was unique because it was probably the most elegant one in the entire kingdom “with an elaborate fore-building, two residential floors above a basement, two chapels and many mural chambers, and even plumbin.” (Every Castle 2014 )He also built rectangular walls surrounding the castle. These walls were thick and tall and were most likely built to fortify the castle to protect the nobles. (Every Castle 2014 )
After Henry II passed, his work was carried on by King John and was immediately tested by the French in 1,215 when
The Dover Castle is often referred to as the “key of England” because it has been around for so long and so much of the British history relates to this gigantic fortress. It is the largest castle in England and it is located on the coastal portion of the island on a high cliff at the closest point to mainland Europe. Even before the creation of the castle, the location has always been popular for building forts for defensive purposes. There is evidence that clans in the Iron Age were first occupants of the Dover Cliffs. There is also strong indication that the Romans inhabited the area soon after for that exact purpose. (Needham 2014)
History of the Castle
William I (also called William the Conqueror) constructed the first Dover Castle in the eleventh century. It was built right after his victory at the Battle of Hastings, which took place in 1066. The castle was actually made out of timber and earth. The site was actually obtained by the Norman duke so that he could ensure that he would be next in line for the throne. (Jonas 2013)
Although, William I built the castle, it was completely rebuilt by King Henry II from 1179 to 1188. He essentially made it what it is today. He added many of the defensive attributes that can still be seen today. In fact, the central tower of the castle (also called “the keep”), which still stands today, was built by King Henry II. The keep served as a last point of refuge in case of an attack. This keep was unique because it was probably the most elegant one in the entire kingdom “with an elaborate fore-building, two residential floors above a basement, two chapels and many mural chambers, and even plumbin.” (Every Castle 2014 )He also built rectangular walls surrounding the castle. These walls were thick and tall and were most likely built to fortify the castle to protect the nobles. (Every Castle 2014 )
After Henry II passed, his work was carried on by King John and was immediately tested by the French in 1,215 when