Castle
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Tonbridge Castle
| County | Categories | Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle | |
| Remains | Small amount survives | Access | Only open at certain times |
| Location | 51.19653,0.272812 (Google Maps) | Directions | Directions via Google Maps |
| County |
| Categories |
Motte & Bailey / Stone / Baronial castle |
| Remains |
Small amount survives |
| Access |
Only open at certain times |
| Location |
| 51.19653,0.272812 |
| Directions |
| Directions via Google Maps |
Remains of a motte and bailey castle created after the Norman Invasion by Richard FitzGilbert (known also as de Clare from his holdings elsewhere). The castle is situated on the River Medway guarding the road from Hastings to London. William the Conqueror rewarded Richard with lands in Kent and Suffolk. After the death of the Conqueror, Richard rebelled against his son William Rufus who laid siege to the castle, but it fell within days and its destruction was ordered. Richard accepted the rule of Rufus and the castle was restored and rebuilt, this time most likely in stone to improve its strength. In 1215 King John captured the castle after reversing his promises made in the Magna Carta and attacking the nobles who had forced him to sign it. The castle returned to the de Clares in the reign of King Henry III and at this point rebuilding work took place to create walls and battlements around the town and castle. After the English Civil War an order was sent to Thomas Weller, who had leased the castle, for its destruction. Over time the walls fell and the stone was used for local buildings.
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Timeline
1088
February
Revolt against William Rufus
Many Norman barons held land both in England and Normandy. With two opposing lords, William in England and Robert in Normandy, the barons were finding it difficult to know who to support. A revolt led by Odo sprung up in England with the aim of removing William from the throne. Odo's revolt in Kent and Sussex was supported by barons across the country. Roger Bigod from Norwich and Geoffrey of Coutances and Robert Mowbray from Bristol supported Odo. In Worcestershire Roger de Lacy captured Hereford and attacked Worcester. In the south-east Roger Montgomery at Arundel Robert of Mortain at Pevensey and Gilbert de Clare at Tonbridge also prepared to fight the King. Robert of Belleme, a Norman baron, who was able to bring support from Normandy. Robert also controlled castles in the Welsh Marches where the revolt also took place.
1088
Spring
William Rufus calls for support
William Rufus had insufficient men at his disposal to deal with the rebellion in the south-east as there were too many ports to guard. The King called the representatives of the fyrd (the ordinary people of the country organised into an army) to a meeting in London where, with the support Lanfranc, he promised the people better laws and the removal of unfair taxes if they supported him against the rebels. The people agreed and together with the King they captured the castle at Tonbridge after a two day siege. ¹
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