History

One of the largest castles in the country, strategically located at the shortest crossing point to continental Europe, Dover Castle has played a prominent part in national history. Its origins lie in the Iron Age, and a Roman Lighthouse and Anglo-Saxon church can still be seen within the grounds.

William of Normandy strengthened existing Anglo-Saxon fortifications here in 1066, but it was Henry II who set the blueprint for today’s castle when he had the fortifications rebuilt in the 1180’s, adding the massive keep and a series of concentric defences. Over the centuries, the defences were continually enlarged and improved, with the castle retaining a military role into the mid twentieth century. An underground hospital and the command centre used for the Dunkirk evacuation are a legacy from the Second World War.
 
First Broadcast: 21st December 2002

History of Dudley Castle
Dudley Castle was founded in the Norman style around 1071 and underwent many changes over the following centuries.

In 1530 it was rebuilt as a Renaissance palace by John Dudley who was later beheaded by Queen Mary for hatching the ill-fated plot to put Lady Jane Grey on the throne. During the Civil War the Castle was a Royalist stronghold but surrendered in 1646 following the defeat of Charles I at Naseby.

The living accommodation was used by the Earls of Dudley until 1750 when it was gutted by a huge fire which burned for three days. By then the family had moved to nearby Himley Hall, but continued to hold the site and were responsible for founding Dudley Zoo in 1937.
 

First Broadcast : 31st October 2002