Camber Castle, Tudor defense fort near Winchelsea, England
Description
Camber Castle is a Tudor-era fort built from pale Caen stone, featuring a central keep surrounded by four circular bastions. The thick walls and compact layout reflect early experiments in fortress design to withstand cannon fire.
History
Henry VIII ordered this fort built in 1539 to defend the coastal town of Rye and its naval base from French raids. Parliamentary forces later damaged much of the structure in 1642 during the English Civil War to deny it to Royalist forces.
Culture
The castle shows how military design changed during the Tudor era, blending medieval and modern defense methods. Its circular bastions were part of a new way of thinking about protecting fortifications against artillery.
Practical
This site is best explored through guided tours arranged by the nearby Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. Wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is uneven, and dress for coastal weather that can change quickly.
Did you know?
The fort was built on a strategic strip of land that once jutted into the water, allowing it to guard two separate channels leading to Rye. This commanding position meant the walls had to resist attacks from multiple directions at once.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Icklesham).
The Mermaid Inn
1.8 km
Lamb House
1.8 km
Rye Castle
1.8 km
Church of St Mary
1.8 km
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve
1.6 km
St Anthony of Padua Church
1.7 km
Rye Particular Baptist Chapel
1.8 km
The Ship Inn
1.8 km
Rye Castle Museum - Ypres Tower
1.8 km
Rye Heritage Centre
1.8 km
26, Church Square
1.8 km
Church House
1.8 km
The Old Borough Arms
1.8 km
The Old Stone House
1.8 km
St Anthony Of Padua
1.8 km
Mermaid Street
1.8 km
Cadborough Oast
1.9 km
The Old Vicarage
1.9 km
War Memorial in St Mary's churchyard, Rye
1.8 km
Jeake's House
1.8 km
Norman House
1.8 km
Robin Hill
1.8 km
7, Mermaid Street
1.8 km
The Frist House
1.8 km
Warehouses Or Granaries On The West Side Of The Strand And In The Occupation Of Stonham And Company Agricultural Merchants And H R Clothier Agricultural And Marine Engineers And The Garden Centre
1.8 km
Watchbell Street
1.8 km
Rye Heritage Centre
1.8 km
Martello Tower No. 30
1.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes