Walmer Castle and Gardens

Walmer Castle was built in 1539 at the instigation of Henry VIII. It was one of a chain of coastal artillery forts designed to protect England from possible invasion by Spain. Over time, however, its defences became increasingly old-fashioned, and from 1708 it became the official home of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, an office held by many famous people, including the first Duke of Wellington, Sir Winston Churchill and the late Queen Mother. The castle was adapted over the years by successive Lords Warden to make it into a more comfortable residence, and the grounds were developed into attractive gardens, which are still evolving today. This souvenir guide includes a tour and history of the castle and gardens, and seeks to shed new light on Walmer and the lives of its famous inhabitants.