Tonbridge Castle, Medieval castle in Tonbridge, England.
Tonbridge Castle is a medieval fortification in Tonbridge, England, featuring a distinctive twin-towered gatehouse, a stone shell keep, and an earthen motte that formed its core defensive structure. The complex arrangement of these elements created a fortified enclosure that could be entered and controlled through the impressive gateway.
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, Richard Fitz Gilbert received the land from William the Conqueror and built the first wooden fortification around 1080 to control the River Medway crossing. Over subsequent centuries, the wooden structures were replaced and expanded with stone construction.
The castle serves as a place where visitors and students learn about medieval defense systems and daily life in ancient times through exploration. People come here to understand how communities organized their fortifications and protected themselves centuries ago.
The site can be explored on foot, with the gatehouse and earthen mounds being the main features visible across the grounds. Allow time to walk around the various structures and terraces, as climbing the raised mound requires physical effort and offers views over the surrounding area.
The gatehouse once held the Great Seal of England, one of the realm's most precious symbols, which King Edward I stored there during his travels overseas. This surprising purpose reveals how important the fortress was to the medieval kingdom.
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