Medieval Dover
Dover Castle
After the Norman Conquest much of
Saxon Dover was rebuilt. The town benefited from the increase in
cross channel trade and the carrying of passengers between France
and England, stimulated by William the Conqueror. Great
improvements were made to the castle. By 1190 the massive stone
keep and inner walls or bailey surrounding it were complete.
The thirteenth century saw many
attacks on the town by French forces including the almost
successful 1216 siege of the castle by Prince Louis and a great
raid of 1295 when 10,000 French burnt most of Dover to the
ground.
The Cinque Ports
In about 1050 the five ports of Dover,
Sandwich, Hastings, Romney and Hythe joined together to provide
ships and men for the King, Edward the Confessor. They became known
as the Cinque Ports (after the French word for five, but always
pronounced as 'sink' not 'sank'). In return for providing naval and
ferry services these towns received many rights and privileges.
Today the Cinque ports have only a
ceremonial role, but locally a base for the Lord Warden of the
Ports is still provided at Walmer Castle, and new Lords Warden are
always installed at Dover.
Dover's Churches
After the Norman Conquest many new
stone churches and religious houses were built. Much of Dover's
medieval history concerns the various churches and religious houses
which were established in and around the town.
- St. Mary's Church : St.
Mary's Church is of early Norman origin built on the
foundations of a Roman structure.
- The Maison Dieu : Founded in 1203 by Hubert de
Burgh, the Maison Dieu was built as a
hospice for pilgrims. Today it is part of Dover's Town Hall and is
open to visitors.
- Dover Priory : Founded in 1130, Dover Priory was dedicated to St. Martin and
intended to house Augustinian monks. Henry VIII confiscated the
land and buildings which became a farm. Today it houses Dover
College, a private school.