| One of
several (Deal and Walmer are others) built in 1539 by Henry VIII,
who feared a French invasion; it cost £5,584. 7s 2d. Elizabeth 1
rested here in 1573 on her way from Greenwich to Dover.
In its exposed position near the
sea the castle has been frequently damaged by storm tides, but it is
still possible to see something of the original building, now in
private ownership.
In the Napoleonic Wars part of the
Castle was converted into the semblance of a Martello Tower.
L Fussell, in his 1819 book A
Journey Round the Coast of Kent, described the castle and some of
its history:
"Descending a steep hill
into Sandgate, the castle there built by Henry VIII (and part of
it recently converted into a Martello tower, of larger size than
usual, and built with stone instead of brick) is the first object
which presents itself. It stands on the beach, and so near the
water's edge that its walls are frequently washed by the surf.
Whether this building was originally more extensive than at
present, may be doubted; [sic] for there are no vestiges of its
ancient walls to be traced: but unless it has been considerably
reduced in size since Queen Elizabeth was lodged and entertained
in it, when her Majesty made a progress hither in 1588..."
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