Sandgate Castle

Sandgate Castle is a coastal fortification built by Henry VIII between 1539 and 1540 as part of his strategic chain of defence against invasion threats. Designed by Stefan von Haschenperg and situated at Sandgate near Folkestone in Kent, it represents a unique Henrician construction built to protect the beach and coast road rather than a harbour or anchorage. Altered to form a Martello tower in the early 19th century, the castle later became a private residence in the late 1890s and served again for defence during both World Wars. Today it remains a private house and is viewable only from the exterior as a Grade I listed building.