Canterbury Castle

Canterbury Castle is a ruined Norman fortress in Canterbury, Kent, originally one of three royal castles of Kent. Built in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066, the castle began as a motte-and-bailey structure before developing into a formidable stronghold with a great stone keep between 1086 and 1120. The castle's importance declined after Henry II built Dover Castle, leading to its use as the county gaol. Surviving features include bastions along the town wall with distinctive keyhole gun ports. Though currently closed to the public pending safety improvements, the castle remains a significant reminder of Norman military engineering and medieval royal strategy.