Dover Castle

A trip to Dover castle, on a very windy day.   Thank goodness it was open, as the castle and surrounding areas are often closed in very windy weather.   It was very exciting walking up the hill towards the castle, with the wind blowing our hair all over the place.

Henry II had the castle built to accommodate his guests from France, especially those on pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral.    No doubt Henry also had a guilty conscience, as he gave the order to kill Thomas Becket. the Archbishop of Canterbury.    Thomas then became a martyr, and was cannonized in 1173. He became St Thomas Becket, and consequently there was a rush of pilgrims to the church.   As Henry did not want the rich pilgrims staying in tents in Dover, he ordered a castle to be built on the hill overlooking Dover.
Mia and Abi listening and watching the film about Henry II.

The castle has been furnished as it would have been in the 12th century.   Everything has been made according to paintings and descriptions in books, and where possible authentic materials were used.    It was all paid for by a Lottery grant.

The kitchen area, with clothes drying and plenty of items to touch and look at.   The blood from the meat looked very real.

The chain mail garment was very heavy.   Only for very strong people.

The colours are vibrant, as they would have been in the 12th century.   We learnt that people sat up in bed to sleep, so that they did not need long beds.   These two beds looked like they were for very short people.  The dwarfs from Snow White I think.

The dining hall.   What a place for a banquet.

The loo!

Mia and Abi sitting on the King and Queen's chairs.   The blue paint was expensive in the 12th century, and only used by the extremely wealthy people.  Prestige.

A fire burning brightly and the chess set all ready for the players.

 The double bed came equiped with a squirrel blanket, so soft and warm.   Children, and adults too, are allowed to touch all the items displayed, which gave the castle and furnishings real meaning.

King Henry giving us a lecture.

And finally back out through the front door.   Some front door.

Lunch in the car.

We then went off to see the WW2 tunnels, which were quite a contrast to the castle.    No photographs allowed unfortunately.    We went on two tours, the first one, called Operation Dynamo, which described the events that lead up to the evacuation of Dunkerque. The next one was the hospital tour, complete with sound effects and smells.  I think the girls learnt quite a bit about how the tunnels were used during WW2, once they got over being scared of the gloomy tunnels.

Afternoon tea, in a room that was originally part of the tunnel system.

But what a fantastic view of the sea and port.   And such a sunny day too.

We tried on the Wren's jackets.   Very smart, a pity that the trousers did not match the jackets.

Altogether a very interesting and informative day.