Dover Castle Research Paper

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When a person thinks of the “Key to England” they most likely think of a key given to a person who had done something spectacular. But the phrase is talking about a castle. The “Key to England” is also known as Dover Castle. It is one of the largest and most spectacular castles in England. Dover Castle is located in Dover, England (“Dover Castle”). It sits on Chalk Hill. Chalk Hill gets its name because of the chalk white cliffs it sits on that overlook the ocean. Dover Castle was significant to history because of the rich history that took place at it. Dover Castle started at as a light house. It was built by the Roman Empire to guide ships into the harbour. William the Conqueror strengthened his defences with an earthwork and timber-stockaded castle (“Dover Castle”). Doing this is extraordinary idea considering back in those days lighthouses were not popular. William the Conqueror was smart by picking out the spot which is the shortest sea crossing between England and the Continent.
The lighthouse remained how it was until the 1180’s. During this time is the rise of King Henry II. Henry II saw the opportunity to build a enormous castle at this spot. He started remodeling the castle how he wanted it. He built a three story …show more content…

“Most strongly fortified by man and nature”, Dover Castle was held for King John by Hubert De Burgh, Justiciar of England, with a strong garrison of 140 knights and many more soldiers. Hubert was well suited for the task. Unlike John’s hated foreign mercenaries, he was an Englishman from Norfolk, with a track record of defending fortresses. In 1204-05 he”d held John’s French castle of Chinon for a year against Prince Louis’s father, until its walls were flattened by siege engines (Alvarez). Sounds like Hubert was the right man for the

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