N G L I S H C O A S T D EFE NCE S

F RO M R OM A N ’ T I M E S T O T H E E A R L Y

Y E A R S O F T H E N I N E T E E N T H

C E N T U R Y

BY GE O RG E C L I N C H

LO N DO N

G . B E L L A N D S O NS , LTD .

I 9 1 5 ($513m P R E S S : C H A R L E S WHI T T INGH A M

T oozcs. CO U R T C H A C E RY L A E L ON e N N , T H E R I G HT HO N O U R A B L E

P U O U M . . ARTH R JAM ES BALF R ,

FI R S T L OR D O F T H E A DM I R A L TY

T H E S E P A G E S A R E

I N S CR I B E D

4 46 9 2 9

P RE F A C E

- o f H E intricate coast li ne E ngland , so f d di ficult for an enemy to blocka e , so di fficult at every point for combined naval and military forces to defend against raiders , presents to the student of history an extremely i nteresting subj ect . I t is to its i nsularity that

o f E ngland owes something its greatness , and to the great length of its coast - line that its vulnerability is due . The present book represents the results of a study of the methods and means by which

E ngland , from Roman times down to the early years of the nineteenth century , has defended her shores against various over- sea

w h o en emies , have attempted , sometimes suc

ces s ful l . y , to invade and conquer P RE FAC E The author wishes to return thanks for the loan of blocks used in illustration o f this volume , particularly to the Society of Anti

u a r i es . I O I I 2 1 2 q for Figs 3, , , 9 , 3 , 3 ; the

i 1 Royal Archaeological I nstitute for F gs . , 4,

1 1 8 7 , 3, ; the Kent Archaeological Society

. 8 0 2 for Figs 37 , 3 , 39 , 4 , 4 , 43 ; the pro

“ $ p ri eto rs of the Vi ctoria H istory and Pro

s s r H a r d I fe o ve fi el for Fig . 5 and the Technical

i . J ournals , L mited , and M r . A . W Clapham ,

for Fig . 2 4.

The corrected proof- sheets of the book have been submitted to the proper authorities at f the War O fice , and that Department has sanctioned the publication of the volume . CO NT E NTS

P R E FA C E L I S T O F I L L U S TR ATI O N S

P A R T I P R E H I S TO RI C C A M P S T H E R O M A N I NV A S I ON O F B R ITA I N T H E COU NT O F T H E S A XON S H O R E R O M A N CO A S T F O RT R E S S E S

P A R T I I T H E S A XON S E TTL E M E NT O F E N G L A N D D A N I S H I NCU R S I ON S A N D C A M P S T H E N O R M A N I N V A S I ON O F E N G L A N D NO R M A N CO A S T C A S T L E S P A RT I I I M E DI A E V A L CA S T L E S A N D W A L L E D TOWN S O N T H E CO A S T P A RT I V CO A S T D E FE N C E S U ND E R H E N R Y V I I I A N D

L AT E R

O N T H E E A S T Co A S T s O F K E N T A N D

S U S S E X x CO NT E NTS P A G E O F T H E E S T U A R I E S O F T H E TH A M E S

T H E M E D W A Y E T C . , O F T H E S O U T H CO A S T

P A RT V M I S C E L L A N E O U S D E FE NC E S T H E N A V Y T H E CI N QU E PO RT S

D E FE N S I VE H A I N S C , T H E CO A S T GU A R D

I N D E X L I ST O F J L L US T RA T I O N S

P A G E

’ ' E E e F r mztzls z DOV R CAS TL . Buck s ngraving p ece

GA R I A N N ON U M A S L E (BURGH C T ) . Plan GA R I A N N ON UM A L E (BURGH C S T ) . Plan pub li s h ed in 1 7 7 6

E S E S E A W T M R . Plan of Roman building

RE L E L E GU BIUM (R CU V R) . Plan RE GUL BIUM Roman masonry E L E T h e h R CU V R . ruins of t e church P A R RUTU I E ( ICHBOROUGH) . Plan

E L E 1 R CU V R . From a print publish ed in 78 1

RICHBOROUGH . Roman masonry of north wall

E A N A S . e DOV R , ROM PH RO El vation of north S id e

E R AN A S . e DOV R , OM PH RO S ction Y M L N E . Roman walls Y L M N E . Plan

E E N E P V S Y . Bastion E S E PORCH T R . Plan

- PORCH E S TE R . Wat er gat e

E E PORCH S T R . Ext erior of w est wall E SHO BURY . Plan of Danish camp

A . N e 1 80 Y RMOUTH orth Gat , 7

A . e 1 80 Y RMOUTH South Gat , 7 W ’ P S . . e e 1 8 I ICH St Matth w s Gat , 7 5

O D CA S L E L 1 8 1 0 RFOR T , SUFFO K ,

X 1 L I ST O F I L L U ST RAT I O N S

C WL N CA S L E E N 1 8 O I G T , K T , 7 4

E E N CAS L E E N . QU BOROUGH T , K T Plan

E E N CA S L E E N . V e 1 8 QU BOROUGH T , K T i w in 7 4

CAN TE RBURY CA S T L E I N T H E EIGHT E E N TH C E N $ TURY AN D W E N e e S ICH , K T . Fish r Gat AN D W N E . S ICH , K T Barbican

’ — E . e e e DOV R Bird s y Vi w of town and harbour ,

temp . Qu een Eli z ab eth

L W D h e e A CAS L E E N . T e S T OO T , K T Gat H ous

S A B fem. N E N V PORT MOUTH H R OUR , p KI G H RY I I I

S E A CAS L E tem. N E N V SOUTH T , p KI G H RY I I I M N SOUTHA PTO . Plan E AL CA S L E E N D T , K T TI L BURY FORT I N T H E YE AR 1 588 TI L BURY FORT I N T H E YE AR 1 80 8 ’ G E N E RA L PL AN OF H E N RY VI I I S B L OCKHOU S E S ON KE N T A N D SUS S E X COAS T S AN D WN AS L E S O C T . Plan

E L L D A CA S T E . Plan

AL M E A L W R C S T E . Plan WAL M E R CAS TL E FROM T H E N ORTH

D SAN GAT E CA S T L E . Plan

CAM B E R CAS T L E . Plan U P N OR CA S L E E N T , K T

S CAS L E AN S HUR T T , H T PA RT I

PRE HI STO RI C CAM PS T H E RO MAN I N VAS I O N O F B RITAI N T H E CO U N T O F T H E SAXO N S H O RE RO MAN COAST FO RTRESSES

E NGLI S H COA ST DE FE N C E S

P RE H I STO R I C CA M PS

O U N D the coast of E ngland there are many prehistoric earthworks of great extent an d strength . These fall generally under the heads of hill - top fortresses and pro montory camps . The works comprised u nder the former head are s o arranged as to take the greatest possible advantage of natural hill

f S o . tops , often large ize O n the line where the comparatively level top developed into a more or less precipitous S lope a deep ditch

s o was dug , and the earth removed was in most cases thrown outwards so as to form a rampart which increased the original di ffi

u l i es - S c t of the sloping hill ide . te The lat r type of earthwork , called pro montory camps from their natural conforma tion , were strengthened by the digging of a r “ 4 E NGLI S H COAST D E F E N C ES

O ff deep ditch , so as to cut the promontory from the main table - land from which it pro

ected o f j , and i n some cases the sides the camp were made more precipitous by artificial scarping . An exam ination of these types o f earth works leads to the conclusion that they were probably tribal enclosures for the safe - guard ing of cattle , etc . that , strictly speaki ng , they were not military works at all , and , in any case , had no relation to national defence

- against enemies coming over sea . One finds i n different parts of the country a prevalent traditi on that the Romans occupied

- the more ancient B ritish hill top strongholds , “ ’ and the name Caesarms Camp is popularly s applied to many of the . I f uCh an occupa i n tion really took place it was , all probability , o nly of a temporary character . These fortifi ca tions were not suitable to the Roman method o f military Operations and encampment , and such archaeological evidences of Roman occu p a ti o n as have been found point to the presence o f Ch a nc o n domestic buildings , such as at t RO M A N I NVAS I O N O F B R I TA I N 5 bury Ring and Wo l s ta nb u ry Camp (Sussex) rather than military works .

H owever , the question must not be dis missed as entirely Without some foundation in fact , because it was only natural that the Roman invaders w h o dispossessed the B ritons of their fastnesses should themselves have taken temporary possession o f the works from which the B ritons were driven out .

T H E R O M A N I N V A S I O N O F B R I TA I N

T H E R E is hardly a single detail of the first invasion of B ritain by the Romans which has not been the subject of dispute or discus sion among historians and antiquaries , but ,

I t briefly , may be stated as highly probable that Caesar left Portus I ti u s (Boulogne) on 2 5 August 5 5 and landed at or near what is now Deal on the following day . When Caesar fou nd a convenient time for 6 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

the i nvasion of B ritai n , he got together about eighty transports , which he considered would be suffi cient for carrying two legions across the channel . Those galleys which he had left he distributed to the questor , lieutenants , and

f to o ficers of the cavalry . I n addition these ships there were eighteen transports , detained by contrary Wi nds at a port about eight miles o ff , and these were appointed to carry over the cavalry .

A favourable breeze sprang up , and anchor was weighed about one in the morning . The cavalry in the eighteen other transports em

’ a barked t the other port . I t was ten o clock

o f . when Caesar reached the coast B ritain , Where he saw the cliffs covered with the

’ enemy s forces . H e speaks of the place as being bounded by steep mountains in a way which clearly describes Dover and the eminences in its neighbourhood , comprising ’ f Shakespeare s Cli f, the western and eastern f heights , and all the magnificent cli f of pre ci pi tou s chalk rock which extends to Kings down , near Walmer . O n such a coast as this ,

8 E NG L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

kind of service . All these circumstances serving

o u r to spread a terror among men , who were

o f wholly strangers to this way fighting , they pushed not the enemy wi th the same vigour and spirit as was usual for them in combats

upon dry ground . “ Caesar , Observing this , ordered some

o f galleys , a kind shipping less common with the barbarians , and more easily governed and

v put in motion , to ad ance a little from the transports towards the shore , in order to set u H pon the enemy i n ank , and by means of their

engi nes , slings , and arrows , drive them to some distance . This proved of considerable service ’ to our men , for what with the surprise occa s i o ned o f by the make our galleys , the motion of the oars , and the playing of the engines , th e enemy were forced to halt , and i n a little time began to give back . B ut o u r men still demurring to leap into the sea, chiefly because o f I n the depth of the water those parts , the

- o f standard bearer the tenth legion , having

o u t first invoked the gods for success , cried

: - aloud Follow me , fellow soldiers , unless RO M A N I NVAS I O N O F B R I TA I N 9 you will betray the Roman eagle into the

r e hands of the enemy ; for my part , I am solved to discharge my duty to Caesar and

’ - the common wealth . U pon this he j umped

into the sea , and advanced with the eagle

: against the enemy whereat , our men exhorted

one another to prevent so signal a disgrace ,

all that were in the ship followed him , which

bei ng perceived by those i n the nearest vessels ,

they also did the like , and boldly approached

the enemy . “ The battle was obstinate on both sides ;

but our men , as being neither able to keep

their ranks , nor get firm footing, nor follow

their respective standards , because leaping

o ne promiscuously from their ships , every j oined the first ensign he met , were thereby

thrown into great confusion . The enemy , on

the other hand , being well acquai nted with

a d v a nc the shallows , when they saw our men

ing singly from the ships , spurred on their

horses , an d attacked them in that perplexity . I n one place great numbers would gather round a handful of Romans ; others falling I O E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

upon them in flank , galled them mightily with their darts , which Caesar Observi ng , ordered some small boats to be manned , and ply about with recruits . By this means the foremost ranks of our men having got footing , were followed by all the rest , when falling upon the enemy briskly , they were soon put to the rout .

But as the cavalry were not yet arrived , we could not pursue or advance far into the island , which was the only thing wanting to render the victory complete . Sea - figh ti ng was not unknown to the R o

mans , but as far as the invasion of B ritain

’ was concerned , Caesar s fleet may be regarded as a collection of ships for transport purposes

rather than a fighting naval force . The main object O f Caesar was to land his soldiers so that they might encounter and vanquish the

$ enemy on dry land . This , as the graphic w ords of the Commentaries clearly tell , was

quickly accomplished . The B ritish method of

fighting , i n which chariots were employed for

“ Comm entari es on th e Gallic War RO MA N I NVAS I O N O F B R I TA I N 1 1

e 1 the attack , is d scribed by Caesar , who was evidently impressed by their skilful com bination o f rapid and awe - inspiring attack ' with the freedom and mobility of light i n

fa n r t y . I t is noteworthy that Caesar says nothing

about coast defences in the form of earthworks ,

or i ndeed in any other form , and it is on other grounds improbable that the B ritons possessed

“ Th eir way of fighting with th eir chariots is this

fi e e e e a nd rst th y driv th ir chariots on all sid s , throw

e b y th e e e th e th ir darts , insomuch that v ry t rror of

e e th e ee e e e th e hors s , and nois of wh ls , th y oft n br ak

th e e e e e ranks of e en emy . Wh n th y hav forc d th ir way

th e th e e e into midst of cavalry , th y quit th ir chariots and fight on foot : m eanwhil e th e drivers retire a littl e

th e e e e e e from combat , and plac th ms lv s in such a mann r

th e e e e e e as to favour r tr at of th ir countrym n , should th y

h e er b e ov erpowered by t e en emy . Thus in action th y p form th e part both of nimbl e hors em en and stabl e i n fa ntry ; and by continual ex ercis e and u s e hav e arriv ed

e e e th e ee fi at that xp rtn ss , that in most st p and dif cult

e e e e e plac s th y can stop th ir hors s upon a full str tch ,

e e e e th e e turn th m which way th y pl as , run along pol ,

e th e e e e e r st on harn ss , and throw th ms lv s back into $ e e th th ir chariots with incr edibl e d xt erity Comm . on e $ Gallic War , iv , xxix) . 1 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S any provision o f that kind against invading enemies , although they themselves lived in stockaded enclosures . The Romans were the first people to intro duce anything like general coast - defence in

I n Britain , and in this , as all other branches of their military enterprises , they displayed great skill , i ntelligence , and thoroughness . For the defence of the coast of the eastern and southern parts of B ritain they erected a chain o f castra or fortresses extending from Bran

- caste r , on the north west coast of Norfolk , to

' - Porchester , situated on the extreme north west f shore o Portsmouth H arbour . The position of the various fortresses shows that it was not necessary , according to the

o f S Roman plan defence , that one fort hould l command views of its neighbours . Recu ver and Richborough , Richborough and Dover

L mne L mne Dover and y , y and Pevensey ,

a l were in no case visible from each other , though the distance which separated them was not great i n every case . U nder these cir cu ms ta nces it is not remarkable to find evid CO U NT O F T H E SAXO N S H O R E 1 3

- ences , as will presently be explained , of special provision for signalling between the fortresses .

T H E CO U NT O F T H E SAXO N S H O R E

D U R I N G the early part of the Roman occupa tion of Britain the chief mode of defence adopted against piratical incursions was the

’

cl as s zs B r i ta nni ca . navy , This , for the most part , moved i n those waters which lay between the British and Gaulish coasts , answering to what we now know as the Straits of Dover and the southern part of the N orth Sea . For a time the navy was able to keep the seas free from pirates , but towards the end of the third century the trouble became greater than ever . Raiders came in large numbers both to our own coasts and also to the Con ti nental to coasts Opposite , both of which the name of the Saxon Shore was given . The Romans decided to take strong measures to

put an end to the trouble . For this purpose 1 4 E N G LI S H COAST D E F E N C E S

f they appointed a special o ficer , one M arcus

Cara u s i u s Aurelius Valerius , commonly known

by his last name . The appearance of Ca ra u s i u s on the stage of history brings into prominence a man of

b e strong but unscrupulous character . H e is li eved to have allowed the pirates to carry on

their work of plunder at their pleasure , and

’ then , having waited for the proper moment , he relieved them of their booty on the return journey . I n this way he acquired great riches and in due course he employed the fleet , not against the enemy of Rome , but against Rome , and in such a way as to re nder Britain inde f pendent . After several ine fectual attempts to

M ax i mi a nu s break his power , Diocletian and found it necessary to recognize him a s their colleague i n the empire , a triumph which Ca ra u s i u s commemorated by striking a medal bearing as a device three busts with appro p ri a te emblems the legend

CA R A VS I VS E T R E (ob. ) F R A T S S VI

r m P A X A VG G G ( e ) . Ca ra u s i u s was murdered by his chief official

1 6 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

being specially subject to Saxon raiders , de fences were erected o r employed for repelling $ the i nvaders Or was it , as others have sup

a posed , perhaps with less probability , strip of territory following the line o f coast nearest the sea on which the Saxons were allowed to settle in late Roman times $

RO MA N COAST FO RT R ESS ES

A C A R E F UL examination of the fortresses which protected the line Of coast to which reference f has been made , is likely , we think , to a ford

- some light upon the above mentioned point . I f we pay attention to the plans Of these

fortresses , it will be obvious that at least two ,

Reculver and Brancaster , belong to a type of Roman fortress w hich is associated with a period much earlier than the time , as far as we know , when Saxon or other raiders began to .

’ molest the coasts of Britai n and Gaul . Perhaps it is significant that these two castra command the entrance to two o f the great Water ways on RO M A N COAST FO RT RESS ES 1 7

our east coast , the Thames and the Wash .

The other seven fortresses , j udging from their

plans , belong to a later stage of development .

in Roman military architecture . 3 From this and other features already de scribed we may infer that the whole series of ff fortresses was built at di erent periods , and probably in the following order

Reculver . Richborough . n Brancaster . L yme.

Porchester . Pevensey .

U nfortunately , the architectural remains of the remaining castra are not sufficiently per fect to allow of classification .

o r o One two of the c ast fortresses , such as

L mne Pevensey and y , may well have been erected towards the close Of the Roman o c

a i n cup t o . I t is significant that tiles bearing the i mpressed name of H onorius have been found built into the walls of Pevensey , point ing to the lateness of the building of at least 1 some of the masonry at that castrum .

S ee e e 6 1 . b low , pag 1 8 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

L mne . At y early i nscriptions , etc have been

found built i nto the walls , indicating a period

if not late in the Roman period , at least a con s i d era bl e time after the date of the inscribed

stones which were enclosed , as mere building

material , in the walls . This is corroborated by

indications of adhering barnacles , from which we may fairly conclude that there was a period of submergence between the time of the carving and the subsequent use as building

material .

I t seems probable , therefore , that although the earlier fortresses may have been intended to serve as centres for the Roman army , they may have been supplemented at a later period by other castra , forming altogether a chai n of defences intended to protect the shores o f

B ritain against Saxon invaders .

The late M r . G . E . Fox , who made a special study of the subject , writes as follows 1 “ By the last quarter of the third century the

- Romano B ritish fleet , on which no doubt de

V ff 2 8 2 . ictoria History of Su olk , i , RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS E S 1 9 p end ence had been placed for the protection o f the east and south coasts from raids by plundering bands of rovers from over the seas , e f had evidently fail d to a ford that protection . Whether it was that the fleet was not numer ous enough , or for whatever reason , the Roman government determined to supplement its first line of defence by a second , and this was achieved by the erection of forts capable o f

00 to holding from 5 men each , on points of the coast - line extending from the mouth o f the Wash to Pevensey on the coast of Sussex . The coast - line indicated received the name of

’ ’ L z tus S ax omcu m , and the nine fortresses which guarded it are called ‘ the forts of the Saxon

’ Shore . The following were the nine fortresses re ferred to with the modern place - names :

i B ra nu 1 . no d u m . Brancaster .

a r a nn nu m 2 G i o . . B urgh Castle (near

Yarmouth ) .

- - O h o na . o n . 3. t B radwell Sea

4. Regulbium . Reculver . 2 0 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

5 . Rutupiae . Richborough .

D u b ri s 6 . . Dover .

. L ma nu s L n . 7 Portus e . yme i 8 A nd er da . . Pevensey .

P r r . P o ch es te 9 . Portus M agnus .

I t will be Observed that the various fortresses i n this chain of defensive w o rk s o ccu r at ir

- regular distances on or near the coast line , and on exam i nat i on I t will be foun d that in most cases good reason exists for the selection Of the various sites .

1 B RA N OD UN UM

There is suffi cient evidence to identify the Roman fort of B ra no d u nu mwith some ruins lying to the east of B rancaster , a village situated near the north - western corner Of Nor

S . folk , on the hores of the Wash The only early mention of the place is found i n the “ di s trib u N otitia I mperii , a catalogue Of the tion of the imperial military , naval , and civilian ffi o cers throughout the Roman world . From this remarkable work , a compilation which RO M AN C OAST FO RT R ESS ES 2 1

has come down to us from a very early period , “ it appears that the Comes L i tto ri s S ax o ni ci (the Count of the Saxon Shore) had u nder

s u b o rdi fia te P rae o s i ti him nine officers , called p , distributed round the coasts of Norfolk , Essex ,

Kent , Sussex , and Hampshire . The fortress at B rancaster is now i n a very much ruined

b u t state , and little can be gathered of its o rl gi nal form from a casual or superficial ex amination . Excavati ons and careful searches made about the middle of the nineteenth cen tury brought to light many facts about its 1 1 0 plan . The fortress was a square of 9 yards and the angles were irregularly rounded . Ex cl u s i v e o f ashlar , the walls were found to be

1 0 feet thick , and bounded with large blocks o f white sandstone . At one of the roughly rou nded angles the ashlar facing remained i n I t tact . consisted of blocks of sandstone firmly set i n mortar with joints of three inches mi m mum thickness . Traces were found withi n the walls of small

1 e N e 1 8 1 Archa eological I nstitut , orwich volum , 5 ,

- 1 6 pp . 9 . 2 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

apartments adj oining , the main walls into

which the smaller walls were regularly bonded ,

pointing to contemporaneity of the work . Two facts of some importanceare proved by

GARI AN N O N UM (B URGH CAS T L E )

“S T E 7 $ F L O O D S

F I G . I

Vi z I the excavations , . ( ) the strength of the

a d efens i v e 2 fortress as work , and ( ) the simple ' and early character of the plan . Traces of gates were observed in the eastern and west ern walls .

2 4 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

a height of 9 feet , and their foundations are no

1 2 . less than feet in thickness The bastions , or perhaps more correctly , towers , which flank the gates and support the rounded angles o f

o f a - the walls are peculi r , pear shaped plan .

They are solid , and to the height of about

7 feet are no t tied into the walls . Above that height , however , they are bonded into the

‘ w i th w h i ch walls , curious as it may appear , they are undoubtedly coeval . I t is noteworthy that there are two bast i ons o n the east side

S and one each on the north and south ides , and that they , six in all , are provided with a

2 2 hole i n the top , feet wide and feet deep , indicating in all probability that they once mounted turntables upon which ballistae were placed for the defence of the fortress . The masonry is of the kind which is usually found in Roman buildings , namely , a rubble core with courses of bonding tiles , and an outer facing of fli nts ch ipped to a flat surface . G a r i a nno nu mwas a place of great impo rt ance i n Roman times . H ere was stationed the ca ta l n S ta bl es i a n p of the horse , styled Garian RO M A N COAST FO RT RE SS ES 2 5

' ' ‘ no nens i s Comes Zz z tor z s , under the command of

S a x oni ci .

$f ath om— F el i x s to w Near , situated on what ' - is now the fore shore , but which originally

ff 1 00 was a cli feet high , and commanding extensive Views of the surrounding country , are the ruins of what was an important Roman

o ne station . Although possibly not ranking as of the nine great coast fortresses , it occupied a most important site fo r the defence of. this

part of the east coast of Britain , and com ma nd ed not only the entrance to the River

Deben , but also all the adjacent coast to the south of it . Almost every trace of the station has now been obliterated by the waves , but from plans which have been preserved it a p pears that its plan was that of an oblong with 1 o r towers bastions at each angle .

O T H O N A 3.

I th a nch es ter - o n- Or , near B radwell Sea in

E s s ex . w a s , another important member of the

1 “ V ff 2 8 . ictoria History of Su olk , i , 7 2 6 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

Roman coast defences of Britain . I t com ma nd ed the entrances of the Rivers Black

water and Colne . Little now remai ns of

Oth o na , although it is on record that the

fortress enclosed an area of 4 acres , and that its walls possessed foundations no less than

1 4 feet i n thickness . The defence of such a point as this against the i ncursions of foes was a matter Of much

importance , because this was a point on the coast o f B ritai n specially S usceptible to attack

by marauders , and , as we shall see , special precautions were taken against attacks of this

kind . At a distance of about four miles to the

Oth o na o f north of , across the estuary the

River Blackwater , lies the island of M ersea . I n the year 1 896 some Roman foundations were acci dentally discovered i n the western w part of the island hich , upon examination , appear to have an important bearing on the Roman scheme of coast defence in this part of 6 B ritain . The foundations were circular , 5 feet

i n diameter , and closely resembling in gigantic RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS ES 2 7

- fo u nd a form the steering Wheel of a ship . The tions were of Kentish rag and chalk lime mortar , and above this the low walling was almost entirely composed of Romanbricks set

F I P A M AN L D N W’ E S E S E A E X G . . L N OF S S E 3 RO BUI I G , T M R ,

in red mortar . Dr . H enry Laver , who communicated the discovery to the Society of 1 L o nd o n mo d es tl Antiquaries of , y abstains from giving any explanation or theory as to the purpose of the bui lding which stood on this

1 - ee 2 2 2 . Proc dings , xvi , 4 4 9 2 8 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

o f site , but i n the opinion the present writer there seems to be little doubt that the fo u nd a tions were intended to carry a lofty pharos , or perhaps signalling tower o f timber by means o f which messages might have been trans

e Oth o na mi tt d to and Colchester .

E L B M 4. R G U I U

N ow known as Reculver , is situated about three miles to the east of H erne Bay . The site , although originally some distance inland , is now , owing to the encroachment of the sea quite close to the shore . I ndeed , about half o f its area has been destroyed by the waves , and is now covered at high water . I ts area when complete was over seven acres , and its walls which , i n the eighteenth century , stood

1 0 feet high , and still remain to a height of 8 e 8 feet i n some plac s , are no less than feet

- i n thickness with two sets Off inside . I t seems doubtful whether there was ever a ditch round the castrum . Owing to the ruinous condition

o f a d of the main part the masonry , n the RE GUL E I UM (RE CULVE R)

F E L E KE N IG . 4. R CU V R , T

32 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N CE S

o r bastions . These features are considered characteristic of Roman fortresses of early date . Another feature pointing to the same conclusion is the absence of tile courses i n the walls . The on ly recorded facts about this fortress

$ is a mention in the Notitia , from which we learn that it was garrisoned by the first cohort

Veta s i a ns n of the com manded by a tribu e . At a comparatively early stage in the art of Roman masonry in B ritain the idea was con cei ved of protecting the enclosing wall of the fortress by means of projecting bastions and towers . I n an early type represented in the

- Romano B ritish coast fortresses , of which this o f Reculver is an excellent illustration , there were , as we have seen , no projections whether

o f . walls , bastions , towers , or gates Reliance w a s placed i n the strength and solidity of the 8 walls themselves , which were feet in thick

o f ness . But the desirability having some points from which the enemy could be attacked in flank whilst battering the wall soon became e vident , and in other cases such as Rich 6 . E FIG . R CUL VE R : T H E RUI N S OF T H E CHURCH D

RO MA N COAST FO RT RESS ES 35

L mne borough , y , Pevensey , etc . , we find that the fortress was furnished not only with mas

- sive walls , but also with strong angle towers ' and bastions or towers at intervals by which

the wall could be commanded and protected . These various works furnish an interesting series o f illustrations of the progress made i n f the military architecture O the period .

P I E 5 . R U T U A

Now known as Richborough , situated about

- - two miles north north west of Sandwich , was a station of great importance i n the Roman period , being then , as Sandwich was sub sequently for many years , the chief B ritish port for travellers and traffic to and from the

Continent . I n shape Rutupiae was a rect angular parallelogram , with the greater length

to . from east west I ts walls , which were lofty and massive , enclosed an area of somewhat

6 . less than acres At each angle is , or was , a

1 8 6 circular bastion feet inches i n diameter , and square towers or bastions at intervals pro 36 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

’ j ected beyond the general face of the walls . A

- considerable part of the south east corner , and

RUT UPIAE (RIC HBOROUGH)

$ S M QF gn a w

FIG . 7

the whole of the east wall have been destroyed by the falling of the cliff in the direction of

the River Stour . The theory formerly pro pounded that the castrum had no eastern wall RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS E S 37 has been disproved by the careful examinations

f . o M r . G . E Fox and other eminent anti

u r i q a es . These examinations have definitely shown that large fragments of the east wall have fallen down the cliff. I t is certain that the castrum Of Rutupiae as also those o f

L ema ni s Regulbium and Portus , i n spite of the doubt which has been expressed i n each i nstance , had four walls . The chief peculiarity of Rutupiae is the presence o f a solid mass of masonry under

a ground , little to the east rather than in the f middle of the enclosed space . M any dif erent theories have been put forward to account for

no w its purpose , but it is generally agreed that it was intended to serve as the foundation for a lofty structure , perhaps Of timber , the purpose of which was for signalling between this station and that at Reculver , and possibly also answering to the pharos at Dover . I t is not improbable that it also served as a light house for ships entering the estuary of the

Stour from the sea . I f lights or signals could be seen as far as Dover they might from that 38 E N G L I S H COAST D EF E N C ES point be communicated easily to and fro from the coast of France from the high ground o n which the pharos of Dover stands . I n order to understand the functions and relative positions of Regulbium and Rutup iae

- as coast fortresses during the Roman period , it is necessary to reconstruct the ancient geo

- graphy of the north eastern part of Kent . The small stream now falling into the sea near Reculver was at the period under con sideration a river su fficiently. broad and deep to afford a convenient channel for shipping .

a n s u m I t was known as the W t . Boats and ships voyaging from the French coast as well as from the . B ritish coast near Dover to

London , usually took their course through the channel formed by the Stour and the

Wa nts u m , thus avoiding the strong currents and tempestuous seas often raging o ff the

North Foreland .

I t will be seen , therefore , that a lofty tower or lighthouse at Rutupiae would have been of the greatest value both for the guid ance of friendly shipping and as a mean s

RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS ES 41 of giving warning o f the approach o f the enemy . The north wall of the castrum at Rich borough is a remarkably perfect and interest ing specimen of Roman masonry . I t is note th e worthy , too , as furnishing proof of great care and thoroughness with which the Romans carried out their building works . At the base

o ne Of the wall , on the outside , sees four courses of fl int in their natural form , and above them the following succession of ma teri al s : , in ascending order three courses of dressed flint ; two courses o f bonding tile ; seven courses o f ashlar and two o f tile ; seven courses of ashlar and two of tile ; seven courses o f ashlar and tw o of tile ; seven courses of ashlar and tw o of ti le ; eight courses of ashlar and tw o of tile ; nine courses of ashlar . The

2 2 1 0 8 wall is 3 feet inches high , and feet inches thick . There is one aspect of some of the Roman coast fortresses which shows that their builders

no t were influenced entirely by utilitarian ideas . This is the methodical and tasteful use of 42 . E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES stones o f different colours in such a way as to produce a pleasi ng species of colour decora: tion . The aim obviously was to break up the

o f o monotony of broad spaces mas nry , and

$ to possibly , also , enhance their apparent size

f o f by multiplication o detail . The north wall

Richborough , although to some extent marred f i l by rebuilding of some part of it , a fords an lustration o f this . H ere we find dark brownish red iro 'nstone built into the wall in a way which reminds one 0 bands of chequer work .

A Pevensey again , where the stones are cut with the regularity and precision of brickwork , large blocks o f similar sandstone are employed in regular order at different heights i n the

'

. walls and bastions . To the latter in addition to their decorative use they serve to tie i n the outer skin of masonry to the inner rubble .

6 . U RR I S O E R D , D V

A paper by Rev . Canon Puckle on Vestiges o f Roman Dover was published some years “ A r h a l i a n i a na ago i n c eo o g Ca t . I t was

1 - 1 2 8 1 6 . V . ol . xx , pp 3

RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS ES 45 accompanied by a plan in which are set o u t the outlines of what are supposed to have been the limits o f the Roman town or fortress A l h h of Dover . t o gh the outline is merely tentative and hypothetical , there is a certain plausibility about the suggest ed site and size of the castrum . I t was situated , as is pointed out , quite away from the pharos , in the lowest part of the town , the present M arket Square being approximately in the middle of the enclosure The plan is roughly a parallelo gram with certain irregularities o n the north west angle . On the top of the eastern and western heights o f Dover a lighthouse was erected by the Romans fo r the guidance of ships into the narrow mouth of the river . Traces of that on the western heights still remain , or remained recently : whilst that o n the eastern heights

o f stands intact , one the most remarkable and interesting pieces of Roman architecture now remaining i n the kingdom . The Roman pharos at Dover consists o f a strong and massive tower , hollow within , 46 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

2 which rises to a height of 4 feet , having walls whose thickness varies from 1 2 feet at

s tr u c the base to about 7 feet at the top . The ture is not entirely of Roman workmanship because i n the thirteenth century certain a d di ti ns o were made to its outer walls . Doubtless its massive masonry was cal cu lated to withstand the severe storms to which its exposed position on the lofty cliff subjected it . Whether employed for signalling purposes o r as a lighthouse , this building was doubtless i n such a position as to communicate with similar buildings on the coast of France , and with the lighthouse or signalling tower (it may have served in both capacities) at Rich borough .

The pharos on the western heights of Dover , of which little now remains , must have formed an extremely valuable auxiliary to that on the eastern heights , affording a guide for ships making at night for the haven of Dover . I t is not at all improbable that both structures com bi ned the purposes of lighthouses at night with

S those of ignalling stations in the daytime .

RO M A N COAST F O RT R ESS E S 49

The precise details of the existing pharos , although of the greatest interest from archi tectu ral and archaeological points of view , are

‘ not necessary to our present purpose , but a few facts are worthy of notice . The masonry throughout is of tufa with the exception o f two o r three courses of Roman

o f tiles at intervals about 4 feet , and the

o f foundations , which again consist several

- off courses of tiles arranged in three sets , and with an octagonal plan .

The tower is of octagonal plan externally , and square within , where each of the four walls

1 b e measures about 4 feet . The structure is li ev ed to have been repaired and cased with

1 2 flint in the year 59 , when Richard de Cod nore was Constable of Dover Castle . H is arms , Barry of six , argent and azure , are

o n carved in stone the north side of the pharos . The octagonal chamber in the top story of the tower appears to have been restored or rebuilt i n Tudor times . I t is interesting and instructive to compare the Dover lighthouses in their relation to the

E 50 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

French coast and Richborough , with the sig nalli n g tower or lighthouse of West M ersea , by means of which commu nications were kept up with the sea - coast station and castrum of

Oth o na .

Bearing in mind the defensive character o f the forts with which the lighthouses were as s oci a ted u , it seems probable that their p rpose had a close relation to the work of watching

o f the coast , and obtaining early information the approach of invaders . There is a strong probability that more of such buildings for observing the approach of

o f enemies once existed , traces which have now p erished .

R E A 7 . P O T U S L M N I S

Situated originally on the side Of a spur o f L mne high ground at y , near Hythe and R overlooking the flat ground of omney Marsh , was a fortified station of suffi cient importance

' to rank as a town . I ts distance from Dover , and its situation on the south coast , suggest S E C T I O N O N A 8

. 1 1 . P A S D E FIG H RO , OV R

RO M A N COAST FO RT RESS ES 53 that it cannot have formed a part o f the group o f contemporary fortresses which defended the east coast of Kent . . to Owing a landslip on a large scale , which happened possibly before the Norman Con quest , the whole of the site upon which this town stood slipped downwards towards Rom ney M arsh , and the massive walls and towers by which it was once encompassed were dis

tu rb ed . , shattered , and overturned

The form , as far as can be gathered from the disturbed foundations , was somewhat irregular .

The east and west walls were parallel , and the

south wall ran at right angles with them , but the north wall had an outward bow - like pro i n ect o . j The walls , when the place was i ntact ,

1 1 enclosed a space of about acres , and were

1 2 1 from feet to 4 feet thick , whilst the height o f both walls and mural towers was somewhat

2 more than 0 feet . The purpose of placing a strongly fortified town at this place was partly in order to com

mand a View over the surrounding country , a nd partly to defend the Roman port which 54 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

l L i mene was situated on a branch of the River , o r rather , j ust at the foot of the hill on the

side of which it stood . Among the discoveries made at Portus Le manis there were two of remarkable and sig

nifi ca n o t character . The first c nsisted o f a

W L L S L Y M N E E N F I G 1 2 . A N A K . ROM , , T

- — i n mutilated altar stone , bearing a much worn scription indicating the dedication of the altar

o f by a praefect the B ritish fleet , named Au

fidi u s . Pantera , probably to Neptune The stone

1 N o w occupi ed by th e Royal Military Canal con ’ struct ed as part of th e d efenc e against N apol eon s

threat en ed invasion .

RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS ES 5 7 was found built I nto the masonry of the prin ci a l p gate , and from its worn condition , and the remains of barnacles which it still bore

w as b e when found , it j ustly inferred that it longed to an earlier period than that of the

o f . building the gate The second discovery , of

o f quite equal interest with the first , was that i n a number of broken roof and other tiles ,

’ ' ' C L E R CZas s z a r z z scribed , which has been read M arines o f the B ritish fleet From these discoveries one may gather that at some period , probably before that of Con s ta nti ne o f , a division the B ritish fleet was

L ema ni s situated at Portus , and that some of the buildings there were erected by the crew from the fleet .

The principal gate , which may have been

re battered down during a siege , and required

o f building , was evidently the work a late date in the Roman period . This view is supported by a comparison O f the whole building with

A nd erid a the work at (Pevensey) . The general a rrangement of the walls , the disposition of the mural towers , or bastions , and the facing 58 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES o f regularly cut limestone blocks present points of very considerable similarity . I t will be observed from a comparison of Portus L ema ni s with A nd eri d a (about to be described) that there is reason to think that both works belong to a date somewhat late i n the Roman period .

8 A D . N E R I D A (P E VE N S E Y) The castrum at Pevensey retains so much of its enclosing walls and bastions that it is particularly worthy Of s tu dy if one would learn s by direct observation , what splendid specimen of architecture the Romans erected in this country . Although a mediaeval castle has been built within the boundary of the Roman castrum , the walls of the latter may be traced for almost the whole of the circuit , and on the north , east , and west sides they stand to

- a considerable height . At the south western extremity is the main gateway , its two flanking towers forming perhaps the most prominent features . Proceeding to the north of this gate ' - L L E E N S E I AS N ON S $ E S E N WA , P F I G . 4. B TIO OUTH Y T R V Y

RO M A N COAST FO RT RE SS ES 6 1 we find three good specimens of bastions of

- somewhat horse shoe form on plan . A series of six similarly plan ned bastions remain at the the opposite side of fortress , the general plan of which may be said to be ellip tical .

es The character of the facing masonry ,

eci al l — p y on the south west side , is quite remark able The facing consists o f carefully squared blocks of limestone laid with the regularity and precision of brickwork . T w o characteristics stand out prominently in comparing this with other Roman castra on the coast of B ritain . One is the irregularity of plan , the other is the presence of numerous projecting bastions . Both point to the lateness of the work , and some valuable evidence , con

firming this view , has been brought to light i n

. 1 0 . recent years I n 9 7 M r Charles Dawson , comm unicated to the Society of A n 1 ti qu a r i es some notes on tiles found here bear i ng the stamp

1 ee 1 0 Proc dings , xxi , 4 . 6 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S The first line apparently refers to the E m p ero r H onorius (395 whilst the second may be regarded as indicating with somewhat

A nd ri d less certainty the name e a .

R S S R C H E S E R 9 . P O T U M A G N U (P O T )

This remarkably fine castrum , which stands on the edge of th e most northern creek forming

o f a part of Portsmouth H arbour , consists a square enclosure containing a space O f about

. I O 9 acres I ts walls , feet i n thickness , are constructed of fli nt rubble with courses of

— a s bonding tiles . Originally each angle w fur ni s h ed o r with a hollow bastion , tower , and similar bastions , hollow within , were placed along the walls at intervals of from 1 00 feet

2 00 f to feet . Some o these bastions have been destroyed , but fourteen examples , in a more or less perfect condition , remain . The water

o n gate , the eastern side , still survives in a peculiarly perfect state . I t is remarkable from the fact that the blocks o f stone forming its

o f semicircular arch are light and dark colour ,

64 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

A d u rni of the Romans : but this is not cer tain . ’ rema rk abl fi ne A Norman castle , with y keep , still practically i ntact , was built i n the

- north west corner , and the parish church , also of Norman architecture , was constructed near

- the south east angle , within the walls of the castrum .

‘ Cl a u s emum I , an mportant Roman station , now known as Bitterne , is situated a little to

Of the north Southampton , on the banks of the tidal estuary of the River I tchen . Practically nothing I n the S hape of architectural traces now remain , but from accounts written before their complete destruction we know that it was enclosed with walls 9 feet thick , and con structed of flint bonded with large flat tiles and roughly faced with small square stones . I t has been supposed that the outer defences when perfect measured 500 yards in length . The

- station was three sided , the walls each having an outw ard curve . The outer defences are believed to have enclosed an area of 2 0 acres

1 0 . the inner defences , acres W E - E P RCH E S T E R . 1 6 . T H E A A Q FIG T R G T ,

RO M A N COAST FO RT RESS ES 6 7

f — Ca r d zfi . Although not situated near the f Continent , it is probable that Cardi f took its part in the defence o f our coast during the

Roman period . Whether the Roman fortress

I I . E S E . E X E F $ E S F G . 7 PORCH T R T RIOR O V T

“HAL L at this poi nt formed part of the defences which were placed under the control of the Cou nt of the Saxon Shore may be doubted , but in size and general plan it certainly resembled the

- - coast fortresses of the south eastern shores . 68 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES I n the course of recent excavations i n and near Cardiff Castle the nearly complete ground plan of this castrum was found . I ts form was i nearly quadrangular , the only rregularity t being in the wes ern wall , which was inclined eastward at its southern end . Gates were situated about the middle of the northern and southern walls , whilst semicircular bastions were placed along the walls at intervals , r O f 1 2 0 oughly , about feet . At the angles were built towers o f irregular form and of somewhat unusual interest , from the fact that they were obviously additions to the original work . The area enclosed by the walls was roughly a square O f 600 feet . The question of angle towers or bastions is o ne of considerable importance . Their pre sence i n a Roman castrum may generally b e ‘ taken as evidence of late date ; but it is neces sary to bear in mind that in some cas es they have certainly been added to give strength to fortresses of early type , which , as we have seen in the cases of Reculver and B rancaster , w ere furnished with rounded angles , without RO M A N COAST FO RT R ESS E S 69 any such proj ect i ng features as angle - towers ’ or bastions . At Cardiff it is perfectly clear that the original building had rounded angles against which towers of irregularly circular plan were subsequentlybuilt .

As at Pevensey and Porchester , a Norman castle was ingeniously constructed within this castrum by placing the mound towards the

- north western corner . Two walls thrown out from this , one towards the western wall and the other to about the middle of the sou thern t wall , enclosed practically a quar er of the

- whole area in the south western angle , and

o f formed the inner court , whilst the whole the rest of the area o f the castrum formed the outer court . I t is obvious that . a t the period when this Norman castle was built the Roman walls were suffi ciently perfect to afford an e effective barrier of d fence .

1 “ A rch mo l o i a - 2 g , lvii , 335 35 . 7 0 E N G L I S H CoA s T D E F E N C E S

O T H E R RO M A N CO A S T D E F E N C E S

The coast to the north of Brancaster , the most northern Of the nine regular Roman coast castra , is provided i n certain places with

o f defences of Roman date , either in the form

- o r . watch houses , or lighthouses , fortresses

H av erfi el d Professor , in a recent lecture on 1 the subject , suggests that such structures once existed at (1 ) H u ntcliffe (near Saltburn) ; (2 ) at a point near Staithes ; (3) on the high promontory of Peak , near Robin H ood Bay ; and (4) on another high headland , called Carr nase , to the north of Filey Bay . Generally

e o f speaking , the altitude of the sit s these works suggests their use for watching o r light ing purposes rather than for purely military defence . To a certain extent the Roman walled - towns of Canterbury , Rochester , Chichester , Col C hester , and London , must be regarded as

1 “ N e th e C e e e ot s on Roman oast D f nc s of Britain , $ “ $ e e I n e e sp cially Yorkshir ( Journal of Roman Studi s ,

2 0 1 ii ,

PA RT I I

T H E SA XO N SETTLE ME N T O F E N GLAN D DAN I S H I N CU RS I O N S A N D CAM PS T H E N O RMA N I N VAS I O N O F E N GLAN D N O RMA N C OAST CASTLES

T H E SAXON S ETT L E M E NT O F E N G LA N D

I T H the settlement of the Saxons , the

Angles , and the J utes in E ngland , this

no book has immediate concern , but it is worthy o f note that having driven the B ritish people westward into Wales and south - west ward into Cornwall , they quickly spread Over the greater part of E ngland . Their weapons , their costumes , their j ewellery , and , i ndeed , t heir general standard of civilization , are clearly reflected and illustrated by the contents of numerous cemeteries , which have been scientifically explored and examined . We know little of their houses or other buildings until the eleventh century , when we are aided by

o f the actual remains churches , the evidence “ of illuminated manuscripts and the Anglo

$ Saxon Chronicle .

There is , however , one fact which stands

7 5 7 6 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES out quite clearly in an age which is remark able fo r the Obscurity o f its historical evidence .

This is that the Saxons , as a general rule , did not immediately occupy the ruins o f Romano h B ritis towns or houses . On the contrary , they seem to have avoided them , even to the extent of diverting the roads which originally passed through the towns . This is so marked that w e can only infer that it was due to a superstitious dread of sites which had once b been i nhabited y the Romans . The site of the important Romano - B ritish town of Sil

C o f hester , although full evidences of Roman

occupation , and of intercourse with contempo

a b s o rary B ritish population , has furnished

l u tel y no trace of Saxon habitation . What was true of cities and towns and

o f houses , was probably true the coast for

tresses upon which the Romans , particularly in the latter part of their occupation o f B ritain

had expended so much time and labou r . I t is extremely doubtful whether the Saxons ever garrisoned the coast- fortresses abandoned when the Roman legions were withdrawn from T H E SAX O N S ETT L E M E NT 7 7 m B ritain . Numis atic evidence shows that there

- L mne was an Anglo Saxon mint at y , the

L ema nu s Portus of the Romans , and possess

‘ ing an important h arbour . The coins minted

’ there range from King Edgar s time to that of Edward the Confessor , but there is reason to believe that the Roman site was deserted at an early period in the Saxon occupation , the neighbouring town of Hythe taking its place . R I C Certai n Saxon coins bearing the legend ,

to a have been attributed mint at Richborough , but there is a good deal of doubt as to this f identification . Coins o middle and late Saxon kings , as we m ight have expected , were minted at Canterbury , Rochester , Sandwich , and

Dover , but generally speaking the evidence of Saxon coinage does no t support the View that the purely coast - fortresses of the Romans were ever used to any great extent by the Saxons .

b u r h s The Saxons built , or towns fortified with earthen ramparts , probably palisaded , in many parts of the kingdom . and the evidence for them will be found in the Anglo - Saxon

$ - Chronicle , but they were not castle builders . 7 8 E N G L I S H C OAST D E F E N C ES They were a people with tribal instincts and traditions . They did not construct defensive dwellings for a single lord and his family and retainers ; they expended their efforts rather on fortified towns fo r the protection of all their people . e Wareham , in Dorset , is generally beli ved to be an example of the forti fied towns of the

— . re Anglo Saxons Sandwich , again , which tains considerable traces o f mediaeval ear th er n ramparts , and was a port of great consequence in early times , was also probably fortified by

- the Anglo Saxons . I t is impossible to say whether any part of its earthwork defences are f o . that early period Dover , Canterbury ,

Rochester , Chichester , Colchester , and some other walled towns of Roman origin , appear , from archaeological evidence , to have had

- Anglo Saxon populations , possibly of late date , when the Roman houses had disappeared a ri d the dread of the Romans had become fo r gotten . I t may be doubted whether the Saxons took advantage of the Roman walled defences .

8 0 E N G L I S H COAST D E FE N C ES conceived the idea of destroying the enemy ’ s power at sea in order to secure the safety o f our shores . H e seems to have been the first man in o u r history to have grasped this great principle . H e led this navy to action in person “ and so acquired the epithet of the first

E nglish admiral .

Early in his reign , King Alfred devoted his attention to the important question o f his navy , and he brought it to such a condition of strength and proficiency as to defeat the

o ne o f Danish raiders , the greatest pests by which our shores were ever troubled .

DAN I S H I N C U RS I O NS A N D CA M PS

T H E coast - line o f E ngland is of curious com

l ex i t o f p y , and is long out all proportion to

o f that any other great European nation , per

o ns e haps not even excepti ng Norway . C quently its defence presents and always has ffi presented problems of great di culty . M uch of the coast - l ine is rocky and dangerous even DA N I S H I N C U RS I O N S 8 1

for friendly shipping . I n other places , where

ff - cli s are absent , shoals and sand banks make navigation and landing difli cu lt and danger a ous . I n looking b ck to the days when there

no - were artificial harbours and landing places , one sees quite clearly that estuaries of rivers would have afforded the safest and most co n v eni nt e places for landing . That such spots were selected is abundantly proved by tradi

r e tion , history , and actual contemporary

mains . The Danes were quick to seize upon such

- o favourable landing places . They were p r v i d ed with boats o f great length and slight

no t draught , and their operations were limited ,

therefore , to the deeper rivers . During the

o f latter years the eighth century , and practic ally throughout the tenth the Danish raids on

Britain were numerous . I n due course they

- established themselves on river banks , and

built permanent camps . According to the “ - Anglo Saxon Chronicle , H asti ng con structed and occupied a camp at Shoebury

8 . for a short period i n the year 94 The camp , G 8 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES o r such part of it as now exists , has been 1 described by M r . Spurrell as a Danish work . The place has been much destroyed by the inroads o f the sea and the building of various military works , such as barracks , etc . , but the plan can be made out , and as restored by

M r . S purrell , may be described as an irregular

co n quadrangle with rounded corners , and taining an area of about one third part of a square mile . Another Danish camp was constructed the same year at Appledore , the Danes sailing or rowing up the river Rother . Accordi ng to Somner 2 they discovered at Appledore a half

i ns u fli ci ent built fortress , but finding it for their needs they built a larger entrenchment on the same site . Other places where th e Danes settled were

B enfl eet the , probably Swanscombe (although existing remains of the camp belong probably to the Norman period) ; Bramber , Sussex ; an earthwork surrounding East M ersea Church , “ l n 8 -8 1 ae x v . Arch ological Journal , , 7 2 “ R 1 oman Ports , p . 5 . D AN I S H I N C U RS I O NS 83

Essex ; and many other places . H ere they constructed their camps and established their

J a r r ¢I f l 1 0, 5 ] I f J s u r w

1 8 P L A N D A N S AM P S E E S S E X FIG . . OF I H C , HO BURY ,

forces for long periods , using the adjacent rivers as channels for quickly putting to sea in their swiftly - moving boats when embarking 84 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES o n raiding excursions to the neighbouring coasts .

8 2 They raided Sheppey in 3 , Kent , Canter 8 8 6 bury and London in 5 1 . I n 7 they took

Wareham , where are interesting earthen town walls , perhaps of Saxon origin . During one or more of their raids in the M edway they penetrated as far as Rochester , which they pillaged . Sandwich and Canterbury suffered much from their visits in the eleventh century . I t may be noted that the favourite methods of the Danes when invading E ngland was to enter the rivers so as to reach by that means populous towns and districts where they could a seize v luable possessions . The monastic houses were their favourite prey , and few i n England escaped inj ury o r pillage at their hands . “ The following extract from the Anglo Saxon Chronicle gives a Vivid picture of the doings o f the Danes at the end of the tenth century “ A D . . 999 . I n this year the army again came about into the Thames , and then went DA N I S H I N C U RS I O NS 8 5

e . up along the M dway , and to Rochester And then the Kentish force came against them and

y $ the stoutly engaged together , but alas that ' they too quickly gave way and fled ; because they had not the - support which they should

o f have had . And the Danish had possession the place of carnage ; and then took horses and rode whithersoever they themselves would , and ruined and plundered almost all the West

’ ‘ re Kentish . Then the king with his witan solved that they should be opposed with a naval force , and also with a land force . B ut when the ships were ready , then they delayed from day to day , and harassed the poor people who lay in the S hips ; and ever as it should be forwarder , so was it later , from one time to

’ another : and ever they let their foes army i n crease , and ever they receded from the sea , and ever they went forth after them . A nd then in the end neither the naval force no r the land force was productive of anything but the

’ o f people s distress , and a waste money , and f the emboldening o their foes . 86 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

T H E N O RMA N I NVAS I O N O F E N G LA N D

I T is a remarkable fact that the greatest event in the whole history of foreign attack upon

E ngland , namely , the invasion u nder the leadership of William , Duke of Normandy , in

1 066 , excited less interest , and provoked less effective opposition than many other incidents o f infinitely minor importance . The invasion was no t unexpected by any i n means . When tidings of the proj ected v as i o n reached E ngland , the largest fleet and army ever seen in this country were being m o li z d N r o b e . o at Sandwich Yet , when the man invaders actually arrived the English made practically no opposition at all . I t appears that the crews o f the navy were tired

' o f a rms s o a nd being under long , went home ; whilst the king was bound to go northward to h put down the troubles in Yorkshire . Not ing was ready .

88 E NG L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES related to it were generally two courts o r baileys . They were built in such situations as would command rivers and important roads , and so dominate the English people . U sually the castles o f this period were built j ust within

- the boundaries of wa lled towns . The relation of the Tower to the City of London affords an excellent example of this arrangement . Primarily the purpose of the Norman castle was to complete the work begun at the Battle of H astings of subj ugating the native p o p u l a

o f tion E ngland , and it is believed that castles of this type were employed for this purpose , because of the ease and rapidity with which f they could be thrown up . Castles O this type were erected i n E ngland , not only after the

Norman Conquest but also before it , and at one time the idea was ge nerally held that they represented the usual and normal species of defence employed in Saxon times . The late i n . s c e G T . Clark , who was a pioneer in the tifi c study of E nglish and Welsh castles , con s i d ered that these works were the actual b u rh s

- of the Anglo Saxons , so Often mentioned in NO R MA N COAST CAST L ES 89 “ - a the Anglo S xon Chronicle . The theory

was generally accepted for some years , but in due course doubts were cas t upon it by the

‘ researches of Dr . J . H orace Round , M rs . E . S . no w Armitage and others . I t is generally held that those examples of this type of defence which are known to have been constructed before the Conquest were built u nder the i n

’ fl u ence of Edward the Confessor s Norman friends . E ngland at that time was following the fashions of Normandy ; but the great majority of defences of this type were built probably , very soon after the Norman Con quest , and under the direct influence of the

N orman Conquerors . I t is worthy of note that numerous examples exist to this day in

N ormandy , and some , with the characteristic n palisaded mou d , are represented in the

Bayeux tapestry . I n many cases the earthwork castles as first built were , in due course , rebuilt in stone the top of the mound being capped by a shell keep and the other eminences being surmounted and b reinforced y walls . Another type of keep , 90 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E NC ES generally square in plan and o f great strength and size , was built , as at Dover , Rochester ,

Canterbury , London , etc . ; but such massive structures required firm foundations , and they were always built on undisturbed sites . These two kinds of keeps practically determine the two types into which the Norman castles built

in England naturally fall . A fairly large proportion of those Norman castles which may be considered to have been

' fo r co as t built defence , have been constructed in such a way as to take advantage of pre

a d existing Roman castra . Porchester is an

- mirable specimen . H ere the north western portion of the Roman enclosure has been cut o ff by Norman walls so as to form the inner

bailey , whilst the remainder has been con

verted into the outer bailey . Pevensey , Lon ff don , Rochester , Colchester , Cardi and Lan

caster are other excellent examples .

I n passing , it may be noted , that at Reculver

and Porchester , the parish church has been

built , doubtless for safety , within the walls of

’ the castrum ; whilst a t Pevensey tw o p a ri s h

PA RT I I I

M EDIAEVAL CASTLES AN D WALLE D TOWN S ON T H E COAST

96 E N G LI S H COAST D E F E N C ES wholly or partially designed for the defence o f the coast , occasion will be taken to point out the interesting series o f developments through which these mediaeval fortifications passed as

F r : time went on . o example The massive keep o f the Norman castles was able to resist fire and battering- ram when the besieging force came near enough to apply them . I ts strength consisted i n its thick walls its height , and its massive masonry . The Ed wardian castle , on the other hand , presents certain structural improvements which mark a great advance in military construction . The walls , gates , and towers are so built as to present curved surfaces to the engines of the

th e reSu l t enemy , with i that missiles hurled against them would glance o ff at various angles according to the direction of the curve f at the point o impact . The extent to which this development of the curve is carried in the walls of many of the Edwardian castles is quite remarkable and instructive . I t shows that mere weight and bulk were no longer relied upon , but constructive skill and the judicious CAST LE S A N D WA L L E D TOWN S 9 7 use of materials were guiding principles in the military architecture o f the period . The following list does not i nclude the six teenth century bl o Okh o u s es and other fo rti fi ca tions erected by H enry V I I I , and in subsequent years . The defences on the eastern coast o f Eng land consist of an extremely i nteresting and important series of fortresses . I n the extreme north is ’ ’ B er w z ck- u on- Tw eed t p , a own which , from

o n a nd its position the E nglish Scottish border ,

o f has always been a place strategic moment , “ and which Queen Elizabeth spoke o f as the chief key of the realm . I n the time o f E d Ward I (1 2 7 2 - 1 30 7 ) it was enc o mpassed by a

o r 8 0 0 t great moat , ditch , feet wide and 4 fee

. 1 to 2 2 deep A crenelated wall from 5 feet high ,

1 with 9 towers at intervals , was constructed during the reign of E dward I I (1 30 7 A castle had been erected at Berwick during

o f the reign H enry I I , and together with the Edwardian wall and ditch must have formed an extremely formidable defence .

H 98 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES The mediaeval fortifications included a large area , and in the time of Elizabeth a portion withi n this area was enclosed and strengthened by works of more modern character, the main features o f which comprised five examples of

o f the orillon type bastion . The orillon was

Of an enclosure flattened triangular form , pro i n j ect g beyond the curtain . The middle angle was obtuse , and the passage from the opening i n the curtain into the bastion was somewhat restricted . I t is Obvious that such a bastion as this , which was introduced into E ngland in the latter half of the sixteenth century , would

fo r give the maximum range defensive fire , whilst affording most valuable means of p r o tecti ng the flanks . The fortifications of Berwick - upon - Tweed were primarily intended for defence against the Scottish Border raiders and incursions coming overland , but they also served to protect the town against the enemy approaching by sea .

— B a 7nbor ougfi . The site of this castle must have been a place of great natural strength , a nd probably a fortress , from prehistoric times

I OO E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

B a m r u h D u ns ta nb u r h b o o g . g is the largest

r e castle in Northumberland , is built on a

markable plan , and comprises an area of ten

acres , the main part of which was occupied by

the outer bailey . I ts history is associated with

Simon de M ontfort and Thomas of Lancaster .

1 1 - The castle was mai nly erected in 3 3 1 4. The great gate - house of the latter part of the l fourteenth century , was p an ned and built on

o h a colossal scale , and still forms a striking

ect . j , even in its ruin By the sixteenth century 1 the place had fallen i nto ruin .

‘ Wa r éw omh — This castle , remarkabl e for

its eccentric plan , was built about the middle

o f the twelfth century .

s Ty fz emOuZ/z . The priory and ca tle On ne mouth (for it was a combination o f both) o c cu p i ed a promi nent position among the me

- n f di a eva l coast defences of E ngla d . The o fice of Prior of Tynemouth Wa s one o f grea t import h ance . The person who eld it was possessed

o f vast spiritual and worldly influence . H e

maintained his own armed force , j ust as the

1 “ N e C 1 6 orthumb rland ounty History , ii , 9 . CAST L ES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 0 1

1 - B ishop of Durham did , and the gate house of

the priory was in reality a military fortress , a

building of great solidity and strength . I t

w a s o b appr ached y a barbican , the passage way being vaulted and furnished with a gate 2 at each end .

a r r /z — S c bo o ug . This place was defended by walls o r earthworks and a fosse before the time of H enry I I I . I ts castle was built as early as the time of Stephen , and rebuilt or enlarged in the reign of H enry I I . During the Civil

War Scarborough Castle was besieged . I t

1 6 was surrendered in 45 , and has long been

in ruins . I t enclosed nineteen acres of land and occupied a romantic site 300 feet above

- sea level .

H u - ZZ. From an early period this seaport

has been defended by fortifications . I n the seventeenth ce ntury these comprised a moat and a complete system of walls , fortified gates ,

and drawbridges . I t possessed five gates ,

1 1 Built in 390 . 2 N e C 1 0 orthumb rland ounty H istory , viii , 5 ; $ - e 1 0 . Archa ological Journal , lxvii , 5 1 0 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

called H essle Gate , Myton Gate , B everley

Gate , Low Gate , and North Gate , and two

- sally ports . The whole fortified walls were

- — a yards , or slightly less than one and half miles in circuit . I n front of the principal gates were drawbridges an d half- moon shaped

S batteries . I n the year 1 540 the eastern ide of the town was defended by two blockhouses , erected by H enry V I I I . These were known as the North Blockhouse and the South Block : house , and both mounted guns when the town was besieged during the Civil War . A castle was also built on the eastern side of the town by H enry V I I I .

’ K i n L 7m— i m g s y . The eastern side of this portant town was in former times defended by a wall strengthened by nine bastions , and by a broad and deep fosse over which were three drawbridges leading to the principal gates . One Of the latter and fragments of the wall re

o f main . From the statement Stow in his “ $ i Of Chronicle , and from certa n illustrations

1 800 the walls as they existed in , we may i nfer that the walls at any rate belonged to the first

1 9 4 E N G LI S H COAST D E F E NC ES was made a moat or ditch round the town with bridges a t e ach gate : the whole so co m pl ete that boats could pass with their lading to

any part of the town , for the conveniency of

. 1 . N A E A 1 80 FIG 9 ORTH G T , Y RMOUTH , 7

trade and commerce . And s o careful were the magistrates to preserve the said moat from being filled or stopped with earth , rubbish ,

. o f stones , etc , that in the rolls the leets , there

o n f appear several fines , levied di ferent persons f for o fending in that behalf. Thus the tower CAST L E S A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 9 5 W being fortified ith a wall and moat , towers

s u fli ci ent gates , and bars , was deemed a de fence against all assailants with bows and ’a — arrows , slings , b ttering rams , and all other

2 0 S A E Y A 1 80 FIG . . OUTH G T , RMOUTH , 7

missive engines of those times . But afterwards , when great guns o f various denominations

fo rtifi ca were employed in sieges , the aforesaid tion , it was adj udged , would make but little resistance against them , without several addi ti o na l as works , mounts , ravelins , etc . 1 06 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

I n the 36 th year o f H enry V I I I the fo rtifi ca tions of Yarmouth were strengthened by ram piring , or backing up the walls by earthwork mounds . Additional works were constructed

1 by Queen Mary in 5 5 7 , and by Queen Eliza

o f ra mi r i n beth , the complete process p g not

1 8 having been finished until 5 7 , the year before the coming of the Spanish armada . I n the following year it was considered desirable to secure the haven against any sudden attacks

c of the enemy , and it was ac ordingly decided to construct jetties of timber on either side of the entrance , whilst across the actual entrance was placed a boom o f massive timbers furnished with iron spikes , and this was so constructed that it could be opened or closed at pleasure .

This work , including probably the two j etties

1 2 0 . and the boom , cost £ Traces of the wall of Yarmouth and its towers still remain , whilst other evidence of the wall is the extraordinary way in which the houses are crowded together , leaving only nar “ ffi o r . row alleys , rows , for the tra c A plan o f 1 8 1 Yarmouth in 9 , published as a fronti

1 0 8 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

’

S . no w engraving hows St M atthew s Gate , demolished . There appears to have been a castle at I pswich built by William the Con

u ero r o ne q and Roger Bigot , of the Con

u er o r s q powerful nobles , held it . With the exception of certain earthworks all traces of the castle have perished . The form of the town in mediaeval times has been made out “ by J ohn Wo dd ers p o o n in his M emorials of

$

I 8 o . I pswich , 5

Or or d m — f This castle , situated half a mile

e from the River Ore , i n Suffolk (henc its name) , commands a view of the sea , two miles

to o n distant , owi ng the fact that i t is built a mound partly natural and partly artificial . All round is swampy ground . The building o f Orford Castle was begun i n

1 6 n 1 6 . Strictly speaki g , perhaps , it should not

: be called a castle it was essentially a keep , and its purpose primarily w a s to serve as an outpost for observation and for the protection

C o f of the oast . The plan the actual keep , if so C we may term it , was peculiar , being i rcular within , and so much modified by the buttresses . 2 2 . D AS L E S F L K 1 8 1 0 FIG ORFOR C T , U FO ,

1 1 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

materials , and therefore by some regarded as

Roman in date , is almost unquestion ably of

Norman construction . I t must be admitted ,

however, that the castle presents several fea tures which differentiate it from the normal

castles of the Norman period . Originally the

walls were furnished with four principal gates ,

v i z . : G H ead ate , North Gate , East Gate , ’ o r and St . Botolph s South Gate , and three

’ v i z : posterns , . West Postern in St . M ary s

Street , Schere Gate or South Postern , and

Rye Gate or River Postern , but these have

been demolished . The north and west sides of

the town were defended by strong earthworks . The place was besieged for eleven weeks during b the Civil War . I t was held y the Royalist

o n o f party , and its fall , two its most gallant L defenders , Sir Charles ucas and Sir George

Lisle , were shot u nder the castle walls .

The weakness of mediaeval castles , built

merely for passive resistance , has frequently

o f been noticed , and what is true them is

equally true of the mediaeval walled town . Forces shut up within walls are obviously CAST LE S A N D WA L LE D TOWNS 1 1 5 unable to prevent an enemy from over- run n ning a country . I t must be bor e in mind ,

t e however , that h purpose of fortification s behind walls was not , and never has been , merely intended to oppose the ravages of the enemy . I n that part of our mil itary history which is subsequent to the use of gunpowder , the uses of walled defence has been varied and

: manifold . For example they were intended

’ to check the enemy s advance ; to give time for mobilization ; to protect the strategical

O f disposition the army , especially i n the early stages o f a campaign ; to protect i m portant j unctions in the lines of co mmu ni ca tions ; and to safeguard magazines and stores against sudden and surprise attack o f the enemy . n Cow l i g . The castle at Cowling or Cool

o f ing , situated about seven miles to the east

- S Gravesend , and j ust two from the sea hore , was built between 1 38 0 and 1 38 5 by J ohn de

- Cobham . The gate house , built in the regular form in vogue during the latter end of the fourteenth century , and comparable with that 1 1 4 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES at Saltwood Castle and the West Gate of

i i n Canterbury , still rema ns good preservation , as well as a good deal o f the walls and angle towers enclosing the inner ward , and certai n

WL N A . 2 S L E KE N 1 8 FIG 3. CO I G C T , T , 7 4

parts of the walling enclosing the outer ward . The gate - house j ust referred to is on the south

to side of the outer ward , which it gives a ccess . Perhaps o ne of the most i nteresting things about Cowling Castle is the fact that it was

1 1 6 E NG L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S scription was so worded as to divert attention

i s from the latter . The suggest i on worthy of consideration , but the fact remains that towards the end of the fourteenth century this part o f Kent was overrun by Frenchmen and Span i a rd s , who burned and destroyed all the houses

’ Co bh a ms they came across , and i ntention in building Cowling Castle w a s to check these incursions . — I t is clear that Rochester has i n its time been an important part of our coast defences . I t still retains many fragments of

'

. N o rma n ca s tl e its Roman wall , whilst its is represented mainly by a stately keep 7 0 feet

1 1 square in plan , and 3 feet i n height , which forms an impressive obj ect , and is in fact a

- remarkably fine example of castle building . The Norman keep was built between the years

1 1 2 6 1 1 . and 39 The city wall , which was built i n places on the site of the Roman wall ,

1 dates from the year 2 2 5 .

u eenboi f ou /i Q g There is a tradition , pos s i bl y it is little more , that a residence of the Anglo - Saxon kings of Kent was situated here CAST L ES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 1 7

- near the north western mouth of the Swale , the building being afterwards known as the

f h e o S e . castle pp y , i n which island it is situated The whole fortress w as rebuilt by Edward I I I about the year 1 36 1 according to plans made by William of Wykeham . Edward I I I in due course visited the place and gave it the name of Queenborough in honour of his queen

Philippa . As a coast- defence a fortress on this site must have been of great value , commanding

- as it did the north western mouth of the Swale , and protecting the water which divides the

o f m I sle Sheppey from the ainland . H enry V I I I recognized the value of this

to point , and repaired it so as make it suitable fo r o ne use as of his coast castles .

The plan of the mediaeval fortress , as might be expected when one remembers who designed it , is ingenious and remarkable . The main interest of this castle consist s in

- its plan , which proves it to have been perhaps the earliest example of a fort as distinct from

o f h a typical castle the middle ages , in whic 1 1 8 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES there was always a certain amount of a ecom mo d a i o n fo r d lli n - t w e g house purposes . Queen i n borough Castle contained , mainly its six lofty circular towers , more than fifty rooms ,

Plan /m ac

F I . 2 P L AN OF E E N A K G . S L E E N 4 QU BOROUGH C T , T

but these were of small size . The building o f the castle was commenced in 1 36 1 and finished

1 6 s about the year 3 7 . The plan w a cu riously symmetrical , and not u nlike that of Camber

Castle , built in the time of H enry V I I I , but the elevations of the two fortresses display

1 2 0 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

largely perhaps of earthwork , was the work of Duke William of Normandy , and was con structed on and near what is now the most southern point of the city wall . The purpose of the first castle was to d ominate and overawe

o f the inhabitants the city , and also to furnish a convenient post fo r observing the surround i ng country . The castle was provided with a lofty moated mound for this particular pur pose . The hill called the Dane J ohn has some times been confounded with the original mound of the castle , but as a matter of fact the two were not related in any way , the castle mound having been destroyed many years ago , whilst that known as the ‘ Dane J ohn was erected in the eighteenth century

o f The masonry castle , the ruined keep which

- stands to the north west of the earlier castle ,

1 1 66 1 1 was built by H enry I I between and 74.

88 80 The keep measures in plan feet by feet , and , owing to the upper storey having been

1 8 1 pulled down in 7 , measures now only 45 feet i n height . The castle was originally enclosed by a rampart and wall with several towers , CAST L ES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 2 1

and had its own gate to the city , and a barbi can on its eastern side . The city of Canterbury was enclosed by a wall built about °the same time as the castle

A E B AS L E I N T H E E E E N F I . 2 6 N G . C T R URY C T IGHT TH C E N TURY

(1 1 66 There were seven gates in the

I N ew i n wall giving access to the city , Viz ( )

’ 2 Ri di n ate gate , or St . George s Gate ; ( ) g ; (3) Wo rthga te ; (4) Westgate ; (5) Northgate ;

6 a ( ) B urgate ; and (7 ) Qu eeni ng te. From the evidence of various old engravings it is a p 1 2 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES parent that several of the gates had been re

ff . built at di erent times Westgate , the only

w as one of the group which now survives , erected i n the reign of Richard I I , and is an u nusually good example of the mediaeval

- town gate furnished , as it once was , with port

fo r cullis , machicolations , and other apparatus defence . I t is also a building of great beauty both of masonry and proportion .

t th e B r oa ds a i r s . This small town on

— o f r north east coast Kent , which i n forme times did a good deal o f trade i n connection with the N orth Sea fishing , still retains con s i derabl e traces of a gate , probably of the e e fifte nth century , which command d the only means of access from the harbour to the town ff through a cutting i n the chalk cli . I t i s

known as York Gate , and although altered r and repaired , still possesses the massive lowe part of the origi nal gateway of flint and stone '

‘ and the grooves for the portcullis . S a ndwi ch The chief traces of the fo rti fica tions of this ancient and once important town are an earth er n rampart or wall of considerabl e

CAST L ES A N D WA L LE D TOWNS 1 2 5

s tw o t extent , a deep fo se , and i n eresting and picturesque gates . We know that Sandwich once possessed a

— castle , and this probably in Anglo Saxon

u ncer ta i ntv times , but its site is a matter of I t must be borne i n mi nd that for many centuries Sandwich was the principal port fo r traffic and merchandise to and from the Con

i nen t t . I t possessed a mint i n the Anglo

Saxon period , doubtless in the castle , and times out of number it has taken an import ant part i n repelling invading enemies and in preserving the peace and liberty of o u r shores .

The Fisher Gate , although buried to some depth in an accumulation of soil , retains several interesting features . One can still see the grooves for its portcullis and the recessed space in its outer wall i nto which the draw bridge fitted when drawn up . The gate is con H structed of ints and stone , a certain propor tion o f which are squared blocks of sandstone which from their size and S hape ma y well have been derived from the walls of the ruined 1 2 6 E N G L I S H COAST D E FE N C ES

castrum of Richborough , less than two miles

distant . The Barbican is a peculiarly picturesque structure commanding the entrance to the town

8 W' E N F I G . 2 . T H E A A N A E S A N D K B RBIC G T , ICH , T

on the south - east side by the ancient ferry

‘ across the river Stour , which at this poi nt is

tidal and often rapid and deep . There is a h modern bridge . The gateway , whic is flanked by two towers presenting externally semi c ircular walls , is largely of Tudor masonry ,

1 2 8 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E NC ES o u r shores from those of the Continent renders it a spot of u nusual importance for the pur poses of observing the approach of an enemy coming across the Straits of Dover . Although t h ere are no certain traces of de fensive works on the eastern heights of Dover before the time of the Norman Conquest , the

’ o f natural advantages the site , and Caesar s own words make it probable that some kind of camp or look - out post was established at

- Dover in pre historic times . H owever , this is a matter of conjecture which lacks the con

fi rma i o n t of actual archaeological evidence . One of the first acts of the Norman Con qu ero r was to establish his power over the

E nglish by building earthwork castles , and such a work was thrown up on the eastern heights of Dover . I ts form and extent are u nknown , but it may , with reasonable proba bil i t y , be conjectured that its central eminence was that upon which the keep was s u b s e quently erected in the reign of H enry I I . d Dover Castle , as it exists to ay , presents a good example of the amalgamated defences of CAST LES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 2 9

several differentarchitectural periods . I ts i m portant position as the Clavis et repag u l u m

Angliae , gives it a national rather than local v importance , and e ery part of it is of historical interest . As a fortress which from Norman

e tim s , almost without intermission to the pre sent day , has retained its garrison and main tained a foremost place i n the defence of the real m , Dover Castle deserves more than a passing notice i n these pages . During the reign of H enry I (1 1 00 - 1 1 35) masonry began to take the place of earthwork defences , but in due time the need of stronger defences became apparent , and during the

1 1 — 1 1 8 reign of H enry I I ( 54 9) the keep , citadel , and defensive works to the north were carried o u t at the enormous expense of nearly

The keep , one of the most important of the

‘ new works , forms a striki ng feature of the castle . I n plan it is practically square , meas 8 6 uring 9 feet by 9 feet , exclusive of the fore building , with walls at the lowest stage no less

2 than 4 feet in thickness . This is amongst the largest buildings of its class in this cou ntry .

K 1 5 9 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

o f Each its three floors , basement , and first

tw o and second storeys , is occupied by large

apartments , those on the second floor being the chief or state apartments and possessing

two tiers of windows .

1 1 Dover Castle suffered a siege in 37 , and

1 6 again in 1 2 . The latter occurred under the second constableship of H ubert de Burgh at

the hands of the Dauphin Louis of France .

1 6 (See the section on the Cinque Ports , pp . 9

After this siege Dover Castle was strength ened by the construction of an additional de

fensive work , commanding the plateau to the

o f north the castle , and other works , including

a subterranean passage , excavated in the solid

chalk , which still exists . These works were

1 2 2 1 2 1 carried out between 0 and 39 . I n 37 1 ff a series of important repairs was e ected , and during the reign o f Edward I V the Clopton

re- o f tower was built , and a sum was expended in placing Dover Castle in a state of

thorough repair . Further important works were carried out

1 32 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N CE S shows not only the A rck cliffe B ulwark and the Black Bulwark , but also the walls and its towers inclosing the town of Dover . The plan was published in the sixth volume of

A rch a eo l o i a g , and is here reproduced in much reduced size by permission of the Society of Antiquaries .

1 666 i n 1 66 I n J une , and aga i n J uly 7 , an invasion of Dover by the Dutch fleet was ex pected . The i nvasion of this particular part o f - the sea coast was never carried out , but the

is castle was provisioned for a siege , and it probable that the ac tual fortifications were improved and augmented . I n the earlier part of the eighteenth century Dover Castle appears to have been much neglected , and an engraved view by Buck ,

1 i published in or about the year 7 35 , ndicates that certain parts of it had become almost

1 ruinous ; but in 7 79 , owing to the war with our colonies , as well as France and Spai n , Dover Castle was hastily placed in a state of extra defence in order to resist the threatened

u r i nvasion by o enemies . CAST L ES A N D WA L L E D TOW NS 1 33 The period of the Napoleonic menace saw great improvements at Dover Castle . M uch of the u nderground work on the north side of

the castle , as well as in other parts , belongs

to this period . Of these and later works it is

not necessary to speak in this volume . They ff belong to defences which are still e ective , and at the present moment Dover Castle may be regarded as a fortress of enormous importance

- in the safe guarding of our shores . F ol kes tone — No traces remai n here of de W fensive ork , but a castle was built in quite

early times , by William de Arcis , for the pro i h tect o n of t e town . Owing to the fall of the ff d cli s and the inroa s of the sea , this has long since been destroyed . I t is probable that there was some kind of protective work near the mouth of the little river which here ru ns into the sea , but no traces seem to remain . S a l tw ood — Situated about two miles inland from Hythe , this castle can hardly be described

— as a purely coast fortress , but it is such a valuable example o f the mediaeval castles of i ts time that it deserves special attention . I t 1 54 E N G L I S H COAST DE F E N CE S m ust be remembered that the typical mediaeval castle , with its elaborate defences , possessed a moral influence out Of all proportion to its a f strategic v lue . As soon as e fective charges o f gunpowder were employed the weakness of mere walls o f masonry became at once

E OS I ves f apparent . p were far more e fective

- and disconcerting than battering rams . Experience extending over many centuries teaches , what has been so thoroughly proved e f by rec nt events on the Continent , that o fens ive tactics are almost i nvariably preferable to

o f e those a defensiv character , even when practised under the protection of the strongest and most elaborate fortifications .

Still , as long as the only dangers were

- starvation and battering rams , the mediaeval castle was as nearly as possible a perfect form o f defence . Saltwood castle fu rnishes an ex l f cel ent example o this . I ts main structure is of late fourteenth cen tury date . Elaborate and complicated defences guarded the main entrance to the mediaeval castle . Before the unwelcome visitor c ould

1 36 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

dry moat . This first gateway was furnished with portcullis , and heavy timber doors capable ff of o ering formidable resistance . The outer gateway passed , the invaders would proceed across the outer bailey towards the inner and

- far stronger gate house , exposed all the while

- to such missiles , arrows , cross bow bolts , etc . as might be projected from the battlements

- and loop holes of the castle .

H ere , at the entrance to the great gate house , the moat was generally wide , deep , and

filled with water . Supposi ng that the draw bridge was down (a most unlikely circum

o n stance) , the enemy approaching the gates was confronted by the massive portcullis , and

' at least two pairs of double timber gates b e yond it , and whilst forcing the former he would be within the range of heavy stones and every kind of dangerous and unpleasant missile dropped o r thrown from the machicolations situated between the flanking towers almost o n a level with the battlements above . The massive and studded oak doors were con structed o f a material which was not easily CAST LE S A N D WA L LE D TOWNS 1 37

fired , and they were barred with oak beams o f the strength and almost the consistency of steel . Even when these were burnt or battered . down the invaders wo u ld encounter a flanking fusilade from the lateral passages .

O n the other hand , if the drawbridge was i up , it formed in tself an extremely formidable barrier , because by means of chains passing through holes in the wall it was drawn close to the gate - house tower and within the recess

to the specially made receive it , leaving under side of the bridge flush with the surface of the

- gate house wall . I t may be doubted whether anything in the whole range of military architecture furnishes a more perfect system of defence than the gate way , walls , ditches , moats , and drawbridges o f a mediaeval castle ; and it seems probable that it would have proved invulnerable against a direct attack from without had not the dis co v ery o f gu npowder put a new and terrible weapon in the hands of the attacking force . Elaborate precautions were taken to secure the walls of mediaeval castles from attack . 1 38 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES Experience proved that the massive masonry of Norman times was inadequate . A new principle was universally adopted . The plan of the castle was so arranged that every part of the enclosing wall was commanded by means of mural towers . These additions not only

th e added to the passive strength of work , but also when placed within a bow - S hot distance enabled the defenders , themselves protected ,

enfil a d e to the intermediate curtain . Again , the use of curved walls and mural towers gave free scope for constructive skill and favoured the economical use of building materials . Ry e — Wall and gates were built by E d ward I I I . Of these the Landgate remains .

o f The Ypres Tower , a work the time of King

Stephen , also survives . The first wall was

o f built in the time Richard I , and of this there are no traces , whilst of the wall built by

fe Edward I I I one finds very wtraces .

I/Vi n — enel s ea . This town also was formerly walled and defended by strong gates . Of the

Vi z latter three still survive , . , Strand Gate,

New Gate , and Land Gate .

1 40 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N CE S The castle at H astings mentioned i n the

$ Anglo - Saxon Chronicle as having been built

o f by the order of Robert , Earl M ortain , is not to be confounded with that fortress whose ruins crown the hill overlooking Hastings . I t w as probably situated o n the shore o f the

$ western , or Priory valley at a point near the site of the present railway station . I t may not be generally known that in former times H astings was protected on the sea side by a wall . This wall , which had a gateway a nd portcullis , extended from the Castle H ill

s o to the East H ill , and was arranged as to

o ff cut the valley of the Bourne $ from the shore . A portion of the wall is figured as “ 1 8 2 being in existence in 4, when The H is tory and Antiquities o f H astings was pub f li s h ed . . o by W G M oss . Slight traces the wall may still be seen . The steep character o f the hills of the Bourne valley rendered walls unnecessary on either side . This wall at H ast ings is in some ways comparable with the de fensive gat e at B roadstairs already described .

A little to the west of this wall , situated on CAST L ES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 41

the very edge of the shore , was formerly a

o f fort , the memory which is preserved in local names .

T fie P evens e . y Roman castrum here , with i ts very interesting masonry , has been de

Re scribed i n the earlier part of this volume . ference has also been made to the construction of a mediaeval castle withi n its area . I t has long been supposed that there had been a

Norman keep , and this has been confirmed by recent excavation and examination of the site .

B r a mben — A n early earthwork , possibly a

Danish camp , at B ramber , has already been mentioned . The site was granted by William

B ro a s e the Conqueror to William de , and a

o f massive castle , which certai n ruins remain ,

e . was er cted by him I t is now , owing to

o u r modifications of river systems , somewhat remote from the mai n stream of the Shoreham River (incorrectly called the Adur) but there is every reason to believe that at the time of the Danes , and probably long after , it had a direct communication by water with the sea .

1 6 Shoreham itself, it may be added , in 34 , 1 42 E N G L I S H COAST D E FE N C E S furnished no less than twenty - S i x S hips for

’ I I I S o f Edward invasion France .

P r ts m tn o oa . The existence of remains of the Roman castrum at Porchester , situated on th e upper waters of Portsmouth H arbour , goes to show that in those early times the value of this part of the coast as a great harbour was recognized . I t is curious , therefore , that no town o f any importance was built at Ports mouth until the twelfth century . The actual building o f the town was commenced in the reign of Richard I , and a charter was granted i n the year 1 1 94. Confirmation of this charter was made at various ‘ dates by successive sovereigns , and important additions to the

1 6 2 privileges were made i n 7 by Charles I . The town itself was defended by a wall with

no t towers and gates , the date of which is clear ; but from the position of the place o n the south coast , and open in a peculiar degree to invasion by the French , it is reasonable to infer that the defences were made at an early period in the history of the town , probably in the thirteenth or fourteenth centuries .

CAST LE S A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 45 “ Leland in his I tinerary describes the de fences as consisting o f a mudde w a u ll e armid

t mb re o f with y , whereon be great peaces both

i u o f yron and brassen Ordi na u nces . The C rc i t the town was a mile , and a ditch was con

e struct d outside the wall . Leland records that he heard in the town that the defences of the “ entrance to the harbour ( the tourres i n the hauen mo uth were commenced in the reign o f Edward I V , continued in the time of Rich ard I I , and finished in that of H enry VI I . I n the time of Edward V I tw o towers of stone were built , one on either side , at the mouth of

Portsmouth H arbour , and a chain of immense weight and strength was placed between them in such a way as to form a defence against

S the advance of the hips of the enemy . The actual chai n , with large long links , is shown on a plan of Portsmouth o f the time of Queen 1 Elizabeth .

The approaches to Portsmouth , east and west , were commanded by several forts and

- the two block houses , popularly known as

1 “ V e e o 1 86 . ictoria History , Hampshir , iii (plat p ) , 1 46 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N CE S

a nd Southsea Castle H urst Castle , both works

o f being the time of H enry V I I I .

An extremely i nteresting picture , in the ’ o f a - nature bird s eye View , of the defences of

— Portsmouth and the adj acent coast li ne , ex tending as far as the northern shores of the

I sle of Wight , is given in the engraving show i ng the encampment o f the E nglish forces near

1 Portsmouth , 545 , published many years ago by the Society of Antiquaries of London . The origi nal of this picture perished in the fire

Co w d ra which destroyed y H ouse , the mansion o f Viscount M ontague , at M idhurst , Sussex , but fortunately the Society o f Antiquaries has preserved for us the copy of a picture which is full of interest , as illustrating the mediaeval walls of Portsmouth and the castles , forts , and other works as well as the guns , ammunition , and method s of working them , in vogue for the defence of the coast about the middle of the sixteenth century . O ne can see , too , the two towers built at the mouth of the harbour for carrying the chain which once protected it . ’ The picture also comprises a bird s - eye view

CAST LES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 49

Of the naval forces of E ngland and France drawn up in battle order at the commen ce ment of the action between the tw o navies on

1 1 9 J uly 545 .

— F r S oa tna mp ton. o many years S o u th a mp

a ton took such prominent part as a seaport , and was such a favourite town for landing and embarking during the M iddle Ages , that it would i ndeed be remarkable if it had been left

o f undefended . As a matter fact its mediaeval walls and towers and gates were peculiarly

2 strong . The walls varied from 5 feet to 30 feet in height , nearly yards i n length , and was strengthened by 2 9 towers . There were seven principal gates , and four of them , as well as large portions of the walls , remai n .

1 o r The gates which remain are ( ) the North ,

’ - 2 o r Bar gate ; ( ) God s H ouse , South Castle

- no w gate ; (3) West gate , and (4) the Postern ,

- known as B lue Anchor gate . The fol lowing have been destroyed : (1 ) East - gate ; (2 ) Bid

’ — o r - dle s gate ; and (3) the South , Water gate .

There were also formerly a Castle Water- gate (now walled up) and a Postern near the Friary 1 59 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

’ s and God s H ou e the site of the latter is lost .

o f The mural towers were chiefly drums , or

I SL ANUI LSPALACE

3L L| § t n “A LL

F I G . N D P L AN O F S A P N . 33 GROU OUTH M TO

- half round form . The masonry of the wall , to

a large extent , is of Norman work , and some parts the walls are rampired , or backed with earth to the summit .

1 5 2 E N G L I S H C OAST D E FE N C ES

of this ancient town still exist on the east , north , and west sides . They consist of a ram part o f some size with ditch on the outside and another ditch of smaller dimensions on the i n side . I n plan , the earthworks take a roughly quadrangular form , except that there is no earthwork along the south front facing the

River Frome . A Norman castle , of which the

f th e mound still remains , was ormerly part of protection of Wareham . I t stood within the

- south western corner of the town . B r i s toL — Bristol has been a considerable

- sea port from quite early times , having been

1 engaged in trading from about the year 000 .

The defences also date from an early period , as might be i magined where great wealth and interests were at stake . The date of the first castle is unknown , but it is said to have been

o f rebuilt i n the reign King Stephen , and in it he himself was imprisoned for n ine years . I t seems probable that the earlier castle was o ne of the regular Norman defences mainly of

- t earth work , whilst that subsequen ly built was a mason ry castle erected to take the place of CAST L ES A N D WA L L E D TOWNS 1 5 5

or to strengthen the earthworks . The keep

was square and built very strong and massive . The castle was situated on the eastern side ‘

of the town , and on ground rising consider ably above the level o f the river . The town

wall , commencing near the west corner of the

castle , partially enclosed the town , following

the main course of the River Frome , and then taking an almost right - angle turn to the north

o f. east as far as the bank the River Avon . Of the numerous castles and walled - towns

of Wales it is not , perhaps , necessary to speak

i in these pages , because it is obv ous that their function was not s o much to defend the coast against foreign invaders as to establish the

power of the E nglish , and to assist in the

complete conquest of Wales .

L t — A n a nca s er . interesting and important Norman castle 1 was built partly without and partly within the southern angle of the Roman

1 th e e b e A good account of castl , with plans , will “ found in Transactions of th e Historic Soci ety of Lanca $ e C e e th e e - 1 2 2 th e shir and h shir (4 s ri s) , xii , 95 , from

en . . x p of M r Edward W C o . 1 54 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

castrum which was built here long before . The keep is of fairly early Norman workman ship . The whole work is perhaps somewhat

— a remote from the coast little over four miles , in fact— but being situated o n the River Lune it may well have taken its share in coast defence . L i verp ooL — The castle here is believed to have been built in the year 1 0 89 by Roger de

P i i ers o ct . During the Civil Wars in the time of Charles I it was dismantled , and its ruined walls were finally pulled down about the year

o r o f 1 7 2 5 . One two forts for the protection Liverpool have been subsequently built on the north shore , but they have been demolished to make way for new buildings con nected with the gigantic shipping trade done here . — Ca r l i s l e. The defences of Carlisle are said to date from Roman times . The present castle is well situated on the highest point o f ground

60 . within the city , about feet above the river I ts walls enclose a roughly triangular space of an extent of about three acres . The keep

66 60 rectangular i n plan , measures feet by

1 59 E NG L I S H COAST DE FE NC ES

other defences were doubtless intended , pri marily , to keep the Scottish border raiders i n check , and to serve as a military base against

Scotland . The general principle of defending the coast by means of strong castles erected near the shore was in due course extended in accord ance with local requirements . Thus , Tyne

o n mouth Priory , situated the coast of North u mb erl a nd , was provided as we have seen , with a gate - house closely resembling in form and massive strength the gate - house of a mediaeval castle . I t is certain that its build ers contemplated and provided for military defence .

H ouses of great personages , and of wealthy institutions such as monastic houses were also

o n - built a defensive or semi defensive scale . PA RT I V

COAST DE FE N C ES U N DE R H E N RY VI I I A N D LATE R ON T H E EAST COASTS O F KE N T S U SSE X

O F T H E U O F T H E EST ARI ES THAM ES , E T C . M EDWAY , O F T H E S O UTH C OAST

1 60 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES aide of God to stand upon his o w ne gardes

s eed e and defence , and therefore with all p , and without sparing any cost , he builded

l a tfo u rmes - Castles , p , and blocke houses in all needful places of the R ealme : And a mo nges t other , fearing least the ease , and advantage o f o n descending land at this part , should give occasion and h a rdi nes s e to the enemies to nea re invade him , he erected ( together) three fortifications , which might at all ti mes k ee e e p and b ate the landing place , that is to

‘

S a nd o w ne Wa mere . say , , Dele , and I t appears that o n Easter - day 1 539 three strange ships appeared in the Downs , and as the i r origin and purpose were alike u nknown

o f and suspicious , all the able men Kent rose I n and mustered in armour without delay . va s i o n o f the ki ngd o m1 w a s feared at any moment , aud steps were at once taken to put all the havens and possible landing - places in f a state o defence .

As Lambard mentions , the most prominent o f - i mmedi these block houses , as being more

’ ately opposite the enemy s coast, were San O F K E NT A N D S U SS E X 1 6 1

m . down (now de olished) , Deal , and Walmer

The two latter , whilst retaini ng many of the original features , have been considerably modi

fi ed by alteration s and modern additions .

On a coast such as this , extending from

Pegwell Bay to Kingsdown , and directly fac

S ing the nearest hores of the Continent , it would be remarkable if no traces were found of defensive works raised to oppose the i ncur f sions o the enemy . The need of such defences for the protection of the coast must have been apparent duri ng a considerable part of the

M iddle Ages , and means were doubtless taken to meet it . Before the building of the three castles in

o f o the reign H enry V I I I , which are ab ut to b e des cri b ed , an interesting chain of earth works o f a defensive character was thrown up along the coast . The most important B were the Great , or lack Bulwark , and the

Little , or White Bulwark , both in the parish o f Walmer . There were also two other earth work forts situated between the castles o f

Deal and Sandown . I n addition to these there M 1 6 2 E NG L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES was a similar fort on the site of each of the three block - houses or castles built on this coas t There must have been many raids by the French and others at various mediaeval peri ods , and it can hardly be doubted that these forts took some part in resisting them . Agai nst such an i ncursion as that feeble attempt by

1 Perkin Warbeck in 495 , when the men of

o f a rti cu Kent i n this part the county , and p l a r l i n y those from Sandwich , beat back the tr u d ers , such earthworks as these must have

o f been a valuable means defence . Among the State Papers preserved in the Record O ffi ce are several which give interest ing information generally as to the defences

1 set up by H enry V I I I in 540 . From them we gather that the following

- castles and block houses were at that time ,

newly built i n the Downs Sandown ,

Deal , and Walmer) and at the following

: F o l s to n places Dover (Folkestone) , Rye ,

Ca l s h o ti s o nt p y (Calshot) , the Cowe (Cowes) under the Wight , two bulwarks above Graves

O F K E NT A N D S U SS E X 1 95

end , and bulwarks at H igham , Tilbury , and over against Gravesend , at Plymouth , Dart mouth , Falmouth , Fowey , Torre Bay , Port land , etc .

Christopher M orres , Master of the Ord

' “ 1 0 b o o k o f r nance in 54 , drew up a ates for captains , constables , deputies , soldiers , por

- ters , and gunners , for the safe keeping of the

’ King s castles and bulwarks , of late new de

’ vised by his M ajesty s commandment , in which are the following details

T/z b t a n e u l wa r k a Gr ves e d . Crane , cap ’ I 2 a 2 tai n . a day ; deputy porter ’ ’ 6 bka s 6 a M r . Co m soldiers and gunners .

bu l w a r k 1 1 . , M r . Cobham , captain , and others ’ 1 ’ Tk er mi ta z e g , J ohne s bulwark i n Essex side over against Gravesend . Francis Grant , cap

8 Tk u l w a a bu r e b r ks t Ti l . tain , and others . y

B o fi eld 8 Tk bu l w a r k . e y , captain , and others

’ o e ka m ar l e n f o e o . i g , J y , the Guard , captain

. Yke Gr ea t Ca s tl e . At the Downes , Thos

W nkfeld e S a nd ew k e y , of y , captain , and 34

. F ou r bu l w a r ks o ea r t/z i n tke D ow ns others f , 1 T h e e e e e . H rmitag bulwark , n ar Tilbury , Ess x 1 66 E N G L I S H C OAST D E F E N C E S

’ 2 4 captai ns and 3 others . T/ze bu l wa r ks u na er

D over Ca s tl e T . ke , a captain and 3 others

bu l w a r k i n t/z e Cl l 2 fi a captain and others . Tke b u l w a r k of ca r t/z up on t/z e ki l l bey ond tke

L FIG . 35 . TI BURY FORT I N T H E YE AR 1 588

i er a t D over p , Edmond M oody , captain , and

1 1 . Tke Ca s tl e a t F ol s ton K a s e others , y , cap

1 8 Tk . C t e a s l e a t R e P h . tain , and others y ,

Ch u tt 2 T . ke tow n o , captain , and 4 others f

P or ts mout/i Ch a terto n J ohn , captain , and 7 T ’ ’ . /i e W na eml l a nd M a t r others y y r . Ck e ton s

O F K E NT A N D S U SS E X 1 99

Tk Tow r u a k to . e e b l w r s . One gunner each o P or ts mou tk R dl e f J ohn y y , captain , and 4

’ S r t s ma ki n Tk bu l w a r k o M r . e e others . e f p g . ’ ’ a t Gos or t s i ae a na tke bl oekkous e tker e p , ,

Tk Ca s tl e S l mb e . e y y , captain , and 5 others a t Ca l s te P oi nt S h i r l a nd e 2 0 , William , and

8 s . 2 2 2 2 0 . others . Total 0 men ; £ 5 per annum . “ B esides the above , each head house is to have a trumpeter or drum and the G reat

’ ’ T h er i ta i e . m Castle both Crane s bulwark , g bulwark , the bulwark at H eigham , and the Castle and three bulwarks at Dover are fur ni s h ed with ordnance and artillery . To know the King ’ s pleasure whether the garrison at

Dover Castle shall be augmented o r no . I n the year 1 540 an act of Parliament (32 “ H en . V I I I , cap . entitled , The Castell of Dover , was passed in which reference is “ made to the fact that the King by his ex ceedi ng greate costis and charges hath lately b uyld ed and made nye u nto the Sees divers Ca s telli s Blockhouses B u l lw ark es and other houses and places of greate defence , within 1 7 0 E N G LI S H COAST D E F E N C E S the lymi ttes of the ' F yv e Portis and their

b etw ene S membres or the same , in the hires o f Kent and Sussex for the s a u fega rd and s u er ty of this his R ea l me and s u bj ecti s of the same . The act is really framed to give power and authority to the Warden of the

S AN DWI CH

5 o 5 w 15 29 1 0111

F OL K E S TON E

N E W R OM N E Y

’ E N E A L P L AN E N VI I I S L S E S FIG . 37 . G R OF H RY B OCKHOU ON KE N T A N D S US S E X COA S T S Cinque Ports and the Constable of Dover “ cOmu nel Castle , which now is and y hereto fore hath ben one personne $ over the newly built B lockhouses . The act was passed in the year when the building of the castles was co m d pl ete . I n making a careful examinatio n of these buildings one is struck with the fact that we

1 7 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

central tower and the surrounding lunettes ,

a re v or bastions , roofed with ery thick arched

2 masonry work , and are pierced with 5 port holes below for scouring the moat , and funnels ,

MOAI'

D5 A L CA S T L E

S ca l e

FIG . 39

fo r or chimneys , were conveniently arranged

f h fi r - carrying away the smoke o t e e arms .

Larger embrasures were provided for can non . I t is bel i eved that these chimney—like openings were intended to be used as machicolations by O F K E NT A N D S U SS E X 1 7 5 means o f which the invaders could be harassed should they obtain admission to the fortress .

At Walmer , where the plan resembles that of the destroyed block - house o f Sandown (the lunettes being four in number) , the embrasures

WA L M E R C A S T L E

0 FIG . 4 for cannon are still left i n their original con dition , although certain modern buildings have been erected for residential purposes . Both Deal and Walmer retain the chief part of their original encircling moats . This is a feature o f some interest as pointing to a new stage o f development in the art o f defensive archi 1 74 E N G L I S H COAST D E FE N C E S

tecture . H itherto , we have seen that the castles which in Norman times presented flat surfaces

’ n - to the invaders e gines and battering rams , were superseded by Walls having curved sur faces . Curved walls were still built in Tudor times , and for precisely the same reason as those which were constructed ‘ in Edwardian days , but the whole structure of the castle was

now depressed within a moated enclosure , the aim being to avoid presenting much surface to

’ the enemy s fire , cannon by this time having become destructive and gunners proficient .

Sandown Castle was once the prison o f Col .

co n J ohn H utchinson , the regicide , whose life tains a good deal o f information as to the dampness and darkness of the place . I t stood quite close to the seashore about a mile to the north of Deal , and , after being much damaged

1 86 . by the waves , was finally destroyed i n 4 A few indications o f its massive strength now survive in a chalky mound .

Sandgate was another of this series , of

- block houses , its plan being of somewhat triangular form owing to the disposition of

O F K E NT A N D S U SS E X 1 7 7 three towers in reference to the central tower . I t has been much altered i n comparatively recent times and now stands so close to the seashore as to be in great danger of being destroyed in due course by th e waves . — n Ca mber . Beyo d the castles opposite the

S A N D GA TE CA S T L E

2 FIG . 4

Downs there was one , namely Camber Castle ,

- o f situated a short distance south east Rye ,

Sussex , which belongs to the same period and was built fo r the same purpose as the others .

a o Many years g , however , it had become de ca ed fo r 1 6 2 y and useless coast defence . I n 4 the castle was finally dismantled and aban N 1 78 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

d o ned . , and the guns were removed I n plan

o f it resembled none of the others the group , h aving a central tower and four nearly com p l etely circular towers placed at regular dis

CA MB E R CA S T L E

FIG . 43

tances around it . Although abandoned for so many years Camber is an excellent example o f the kind of block - house which was erected by

H enry V I I I , retaining most of the features u naltered by rebuilding .

1 80 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

o f at Chatham . The engraving it , here repro d u ced , shows it to have been a castellated building three stories in height , and furnished with towers at each end . A platform for guns ,

I U P R A L E F G . 44. N O C S T

s to cka d e . w a s o f defended by a , made in front the castle close to the edge o f the river . The forts at Sheerness and Gillingham were built during the reign of Charles I . ’ ’ L a na ua r a F or t g , situated on the extreme

- ff south eastern corner of Su olk , was erected 1 8 1 O F T H A M ES , M E DWAY , ETC .

th e about beginning of the reign of Charles I , in order to command the mouth of the com d bi ne estuaries of the Rivers Orwell and Stour .

h ail i n The first fort g been demolished , new

1 1 8 works were built in 7 , and eight smal l towers , each mounting three guns , were erected

1 8 6 u n on the adjacent coast in 0 . Owing to d ermi ni n m g by the sea so e of these towers were destroyed twenty or thirty years after they were built .

— I 1 8 o ns e B r z kton . n c g the year 55 , in qu ence of the frequent incursions and depre dations of the French , the people of Brighton determined to erect fortifications fo r the de

f o n fence O the place . A site was selected the l o w cliff between Black Lion Street and Ship

2 1 o f Street , and about 5 yards westward East

a Street . U pon this w s erected a circular block house , as it was called , containing in the main storage for arms and ammunition . Beyond it towards the sea , was a small battery compris ing four pieces of large ordnance . I t is somewhat surprising to learn that in addition to these fortifications against enemies , 1 8 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

1 B righton possessed three gates , viz . , ( ) the East Gate and Portal at the south end Of East

2 Street , ( ) the M iddle Gate , opposite the end

O of M iddle Street , and (3) the West Gate , p

s p o i te the end o f West Street .

D E F E N C ES O F T H E SO U T H COAST

L G A ON the south coast , particularly in the h neighbourhood of Portsmout , another group of coast defences specially designed to protect the extremely important naval base of Ports mouth H arbour , was built by H enry V I I I . They comprised the block - houses or castles of

Southsea , H urst , Calshot , and i n the I sle of

Wight , Cowes , Sandown , and Yarmouth .

S ou t/zs ea Ca s tl e , situated about three quarters o f a mile to the south or south - east of Portsmouth , was built by H enry V I I I in

1 539 . The original castle consisted of a block

- A house with a dome like top . dditions to it in the form o f a star- fort were made in the s en time of Charle I . I t was repaired and

O F T H E SO U T H C OAST 1 8 5 l arged on the accession of the H ouse of H an over . The castle was situated on the level ground quite near the seashore and was apparently selected with a view to commanding the a p proach of ships from the east in the direction of Portsmouth .

F or t Cu mber l a nd is a more modern defence , having been built i n 1 746 and enlarged in I 7 94

H u r s t Ca s tl e o f , a fortress considerably larger size than those on the east coast , is situated on the Solent , and was built specially to defend the approach to Southampton H ar bour against the French . I ts building was

1 1 com menced in 54 and finished in 1 544. The fortress was o f some importance during the

Civil War , and served for some days as the prison of Charles I . Towards the end of the seventeenth century it mounted nearly thirty

u to g ns . Several alterations have been made it from time to time . Both H urst Castle and Cowes Castle were built with materials derived from the fabric o f Beaulieu Abbey . 1 86 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

Ca l s kot Ca s tl e was a small fort built in the time of H enry V I I I with stones taken from the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey . I ts special

to function was defend Southampton Water . Certain additions were made during the reig n of Queen Elizabeth , but the site chosen for

to the castle was most unsuitable , owing proximity to the seashore .

Cow s W s t e e . ( ) The fortress here , built i n

1 - 539 , possessed a semi circular battery and mounted eight pieces o f heavy ordnance . I ts situation was excellently chosen for defensive purposes .

S a ndow n. The blockhouse here , erected

1 1 0 o n e between 537 and 54 , was built a sit close by the sea , and received much damage in consequence . I t appears to have possessed

- 1 6 1 8 r a landing stage , as in the year timbe was supplied for mending the pier and plank ing the platform . Sandown Fort was built on a site a little more remote from the sea in

1 6 1 - 3 2 .

Y — a r moutk L i ttl e . ( ) This castle , which was built somewhat later than other members o f

1 88 E N G L I S H COAST D E FE N C ES here in connection with S a nd s fo rt o r Sands

a foot C stle . I n 1 588 the fortress was garrisoned in ex p ecta ti o n of a landi ng by the Spanish Armada .

I t figured , too , in the Civil Wars of the time of Charles I . H oly I s l a nd — Of the two castles on H oly

o f B ebl o w e I sland , one , known as the Fort ,

o r 1 was erected in soon after the year 539 , and doubtless belongs to the great series

- of coast defences set up by H enry V I I I . The other castle belonged to a subsequent period , and is believed to have been built i n

1 6 7 5 .

o f I t is a remarkable fact , that all the block

o r houses built on the coast , even in the estuaries of rivers , by H enry V I I I , built , as we know from documentary evidence , at enor mous cost , there is absolutely no record of any of them having been of real value in

’ destroying the enemies shipping . From some

fired not a single shot was ever , . except , per haps , during the Civil War , when King and

Parliament were at variance , and also upon O F T H E SO U T H COAST 1 89

re 0 1cms the occasions of public j g , such

o f as royal birthdays , proclamations peace , etc . I t says much fo r the intimate knowledge of the distribution of o u r defences that the Dutch

1 66 when they invaded our shores in 7 , steered

o f clear these castles , and made straight for the M edway , rather than for Portsmouth or

o r Dover , the east coast of Kent , where there were castles of the H enry V I I I period , and

later , guarding the shores . One point in the construction of these block houses which must arrest the notice of every o ne who pays any attention to the subject , is the excellent illustrations they afford as to modification of military architecture due to f the introduction o gunpowder . This explosive substance which revolutionized military tactics as soon as the art o f using it and of making

fi re- suitable arms had reached perfection , was probably invented o r discovered in the thir

F r teenth . o century many years , however ,

its possibilities were imperfectly understood , and its employment was more dangerous to 1 99 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES those who used it than to those against whom

it was used . The castle —buildi ng towards the end of the fourteenth century— say the reign of Richard I I — was distinctly influenced by the new force

b e employed in attack and sieges . Curves come the fashion instead of flat walls , and by the sixteenth century , when H enry V I I I

- erected this great series of block houses , we find that every means was taken to avoid pre senting much surface to the action o f cannon shot . The walls were all curved to ensure the

O ff , shot glancing , and the whole structure was sunk in a moat , and built in very strong masonry , and with no more height than was necessary . M a r tel l o Tower s — One of the last types o f masonry fortifications to be erected , as distin gu i s h ed from structures which are known as forts and redoubts , was also in idea one of the

o f most ancient . M artello Towers , which so

o f many were built on the coast Essex , Kent ,

o f and Sussex , were based on the model a

o n tower on Cape M artello , the Gulf of San

PA RT V

M IS CELLAN E O U S DE FE N C ES T H E N AVY T H E CIN QU E PO RTS

N VE N E T C C . DE FE S I HAI S , T H E COASTG UA RD

1 96 E N G LI S H COAST . D E F E N C ES extent the two forces have always been , and possibly always will be closely connected . Reference to the story of the Roman fleet

o f for the defence of the shore Britain , and also to the E nglish navy under King Alfred ,

o f has already been made , but the beginning the English navy may be traced to a somewhat later period . I t had its origin in the Ci nque

Ports .

T H E C I N Q U E PO RTS

T H E association of certain towns o n the south east shores of E ngland for the purpose of

- coast defence is of great antiquity . I n the

oldest Cinque Ports charter on record , granted

in the sixth year of Edward I , reference is made to documents of the time o f Edward the

Confessor , indicating an origin before the

Norman Con quest . i m I n early times there were , as the name

fi ve plies , ports included in this confederation ,

i z v . : H astings , Sandwich , Dover , Romney T H E C I N Q U E PO RTS 1 9 7

and Hythe . Almost immediately after the

Norman Conquest , Winchelsea and Rye were added with status equal to the original towns . Thereafter the precise tithe of the corporation “ was the five Cinque Ports and two ancient towns . I n addition to these seven head ports ,

v i z there were eight corporate members ,

Deal , Faversham , Folkestone , Fordwich

Lydd Pevensey , Seaford and Tenterden , and no less than twenty - four non - corpora te members . The j urisdiction of the Cinque Ports ex tended from Reculver o n the north coast of

Kent to Seaford on the south coast o f Sussex . I t will be noticed that at least three of the corporate members are situated at some little distance from the sea coast . Faversham , Ford wich , and in a greater degree Tenterden are

o n i nland towns , although two are placed

- f river courses which a ford access to the sea .

As will presently be seen , men as well as ships were contribu ted by the Ci nque Ports

o f for the defence the realm , and Tenterden

1 received its charter i n 449 , i n order that it 1 98 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E NC ES

might assist Rye to discharge its obligations . H ence it is that we find a corporate member

S ituated so far from the coast . The Cinque Ports were established primarily for the defence o f the sea- board on the south

o f o f east E ngland , but in the course time

their purpose was extended . I n these early

times , when E ngland possessed no regular

o f navy , it was the men the Ci nque Ports who

guarded our seas . They provided , i n return for many privileges they received from the

Crown , almost the only form of naval defence which E ngland possessed until the reign of ‘

H enry V I I . U ntil that period nearly all the men and ships which guarded our shores from r the enemy were fu nished by the Cinque Ports , and even after the time of H en ry V I I they ren dered important assistance to the regular navy . The men of the Cinque Ports seem to have carried on a certain amount of privateering at various times , but there have been times when their skill in seafaring and their undoubted courage have been employed in work of the utmost value in the defence of E ngland . A

2 00 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N CE S

history , certainly the first subsequently to the

o f time King Alfred , belongs to the men of the Cinque Ports . The strength of the Ci nque Port forces in the fourteenth century may be gathered from the fact that at the Siege of Calais when the fleet was called out to assist in the blockade and to defend the Chan nel , the fol lowing ships and men were furnished by the Cinque Ports

Ships M en H astings 5 96 Sandwich 2 2 5 04 Dover 1 6 336 Romney 4 65 H ythe 6 1 2 2 Winchelsea 2 1 596 Ry 9 1 56 Seaford 5 80 Faversham 2 2 5 M argate 1 5 1 60

Among the privileges of the Cinque Ports to which reference has been made there are T H E C I N Q U E PO RTS 2 9 1

o ne or two which point unmistakably to an

- early origin . One is the right of open air assembling in portmote or parliament at Shep .

way Cross , and afterwards at Dover , where by - laws were made for the governance of the

confederation , the regulation of the Yarmouth

o f fisheries , and to give decisions in all cases

treason , sedition , illegal coining , and conceal

- ment of treasure trove . The ordinary business

tw o was transacted in courts , named respect

i v el y the Court of B rotherhood , and the Court

of B rotherhood and Guestling . The formal installation o f a newly appointed Lord War den took place a t the Breding Stone at Dover

- y also in open air assembl . I t is an interesting fact that these moots or open - air assemblies

were summoned by the sou nd of a horn . ffi The Lord Warden , who is the chief o cer

o f the Cinque Ports , combining therewith the governorship of Dover Castle and maritime j urisdiction as admiral of the ports , may be regarded as representing to some extent the

ffi o f ancient o ce of Cou nt the Saxon Shore , although the changes of time and the para 2 0 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E NC ES

mount importance o f the Royal Navy in more recent times i n the work o f defending our ffi shores , have tended to rob the o ce of much

of its former importance . At the present time the actual duties of the post are confined to presiding as chairman of the Dover H arbour

B oard . “ The freemen or Barons o f the Cinque Ports are often mentioned in connection with

this subj ect , and it may be useful to put on record the following precise accou nt of the S u b F ec . A t . S . . j , written by M r Charles Dawson ,

A N O T E O N T H E T I T U L A R R A N K O F T H E B A R O N S O F T H E C I NQU E P O R T S The Freem‘ en of each of the Ci nque Ports

’ t have from ancient imes been termed Barons , because they held their lands and privileges as

- i n- j oint Tenants chief of the Crown , by fealty

and special M ilitary (Naval) Service . Their

title was almost u nique , in this sense , that as j oint tenants o f their Baronies they were no t

like the individual Barons of the Realm , but

- Barons corporate .

2 9 4 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C E S

Cinque Ports with the Peers of the Realm , namely — that when their representatives per form their services to the Sovereign at the

Coronation , within the Abbey Church of West minster , they are entitled to assu me their head dress at the same moment as do the Peers o f the Realm , and immediately after the Crown

’ has been placed on the Sovereign s head .

T E C . D E F E NS IV E C H A I N S ,

ka — Tke Cka i n a t Cka t m. When , early in r the seventeenth centu y , Chatham had grown to considerable importance as a naval centre , a curious method of defence was devised . A long and stout iron chain was placed across the M edway at the western end of Gillingham

U no r Reach , near p Castle , with the idea of effectually stopping the progress of alien ships up the river beyond this point . When the chain was originally placed here is not exactly

1 606 known , but it was repaired in , and soon

1 6 2 after abandoned . I n 3 the chain was super . 2 0 D E FE NS I V E C H A I N S , ETC 5 s ed ed by a boom made up of masts , iron , and

1 6 cordage . A few years later , in 35 , either a new boom o r a new chain was placed across

Gillingham Reach . The chain came i nto great prominence when the Dutch invaded the Thames estuary and the M edway i n 1 66 7 . I t was fixed up at Gil

2 l i ngh a meither on 7 April o r soon afterwards . The published accounts are not quite clear or

h eav consistent . The claws for fastening and ing it up were expected to arrive but appar ently were not forthcoming on the date men $

ti o ned . Although there had been a great chain here before it does not appear to have been stretched

a t properly across the river . This was now tended to under the direction of the Duke of

Albemarle , who went down to Chatham post

to haste complete the defensive works . The

o f chain , consisting lin ks made of iron bars six inches in circumference , was strained prob ably i n such a way that it would not be Visible above water , and it was perhaps buoyed at intervals . A small battery o f guns was placed 2 06 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

on shore at each end o f the chain i n order

to protect it from inj ury by the Dutch . The Uni t y , a warship , was stationed to the east of

n o n the chai , whilst the west side a Dutch prize

o n was sunk , and several ships were guard .

The Dutch ships , which had been observed

Off 2 6 1 66 o ff the E nglish coast April 7 , and

8 no w . H arwich J u ne , approached A letter amongst the State Papers in the Record Ofli ce

2 0 1 66 dated J une 7 , tells us that the Dutch

o ff 6 fleet was seen H arwich on the J une , but the only result was that a few fishermen were frightened , and that some of the Dutchmen landed and drove o ff some cattle . O n the 1 0th th e navy came within shot of Sheerness , and

. 1 1 after some hours took the guns O n the th ,

- by degrees , twenty or twenty two Dutch ships were brought up to the narrow part of the river M edway , where ships had been sunk . T w o and a half hours fighting on the follow

o f ing day made the Dutch masters the chain . O ne guard ship after another was fired and blown up . The chain was broken by Captain

- B rackel by order of Van Ghent . Fire ships

2 08 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES damage was done to the shipping in the

M edway , many vessels being burnt and de stroyed . I t seems probable that at least one purpose of the chain was to hinder the progress of

fi re- ships which the enemy set in motion against our S hipping . I n order to defend the government works nearer London , batteries mou nting sixty pieces of ord nance were erected at Woolwich , whilst the defensive works at Gravesend and Dover were strengthened . About the middle of the following September workmen were employed in clearing away the moorings of the chai n at Gillingham Reach .

mou t t n a t P or ts /i r ea Ya r mutk tc. C/z a i s , G o , e The chain of Chatham furnishes a curious ff example of coast defence , wholly ine ective against powerful shipping ; but it was not a

novelty . Portsmouth H arbour had been at an earlier period provided with a simil a r form of

. o f defence Edward V I , on the occasion a visit

to Southsea Castle , determined to strengthen

i Portsmouth against invas on by the enemy . E T C . 2 9 D E F E NS I VE C H A I NS , 9

H e therefore di rected the building o f two mas sive towers at the entrance to the harbour . To these an immense iron chai n was fixed in such a way that i t could be raised and tight ened o r lowered at pleasure when the a p proach o f the enemy made this desirable . The fortifications of Portsmouth were strengthened during the reign of Elizabeth (see p .

Y r u t — I n Gr ea t a mo k . addition to a boom and two timber j etties at the entrance to the haven , Yarmouth possessed a chain for the protection o f its shipping .

H u l l possessed a chain , and an actual picture of it is preserved in one of the Cotton M SS .

Cow es also was defended by a chain .

F o — w ey . For the protection of this town Edward I V erected two towers to carry a chain which was suspended , doubtless u nder the level of the water , across the haven , or mouth of the River Fowey . Subsequently the people of Fowey incurred the royal disapproval when they attacked the French during a truce , and accordingly E dward I V had the chain removed and sent to Dartmouth . I t does not seem 2 1 0 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES

quite clear whether this chai n , when removed

to Dartmouth , was used for the protection of

shipping , but there certainly was a chain bridge

at this place i n which , conceivably , the old

chain may have been utilized . There is reason to think that chains for the protection of important centres o f shipping were more common than might be supposed from the few definite particulars o f them which

have survived . As an effective defence against

o f - the approach the war ships of an enemy ,

however , it would perhaps be impossible to

find a more feeble type of protection .

B ooms — . As we have already observed in dealing with chains , the necessity must have been felt of supporting such very heavy bar r i ers , even under water and by means of buoys .

The boom , although introduced quite early must have been an improvement upon the simple iron chain , because it contained , to some extent , its own means of support . This con tr i v a nce , a chain of li nked up massive timbers reinforced with iron , and armed with iron spikes was employed , as early as the time of

2 1 2 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES used by the Dutch near the chain at Gilling ham Reach .

ta ma r a n -4 Ca s . Another method of firing an

’ enemy s shipping was by means of a kind o f raft charged with combustibles . The idea of the Catamaran , as regards both its name and

o f construction , was borrowed from the coasts I ndia and Ceylon where a raft made of three long timbers lashed together , the middle timber being the longest , is used for fishing purpose . As adapted for destroying shipping the Cata maran may be described as a kind of floating mine . Catamarans were much favoured by

1 8 . 0 M r Pitt , and in 4 they were employed by i the Engl sh against the French fleet , but they

proved unsuccessful .

T H E COASTG U A R D

T H E coastguard force is of great antiquity , although it is no t known at what period it

- . 1 0 . was instituted I n 4 3 4 (5 H enry I V , c 3) “ it was enacted by statute That the Watch to T H E COASTG U A R D 2 1 3 be made upon the Sea Coast through the Realm shall be made by the Number of the

People , in the Places , and in M anner and

W to i n Form , as they ere wont be made Times past and that in the same Case the Statute o f 1 Winchester be observed and kept . There is every reason to believe that there was a properly organized coastguard force at a m uch earlier period , although precise information on the subj ect is not available . Certain manu scripts relating to the defence of the coast o f

o f a Norfolk , however , indicate the existence

coastguard i n that county as, early as the

’2 thirteenth century . I n more recent times the duties of the coast guards included the suppression o f smuggling

and the aiding of shipwrecked vessels . A n other purpose was to serve as a reserve to the navy : but i n earlier times the prevention and suppression o f smuggling was the main work

o f the coastguards . Early in the nineteenth

1 T h e e e e 1 2 8 e Statut of Winch st r was pass d in 5 . N R ev . e William H udson , in orfolk Archa ology ,

xv u 1 0 . , 5 2 1 4 E N G L I S H COAST D E FE N C ES century a coast blockade was established on

o f the coasts Kent and Sussex , and detach ments of men and boats were stationed at the

Martello Towers on the seacoast .

I t is time , perhaps , to bring these pages

‘ o n the coast - defences of E ngland to a con cl u s i o n v , and to review ery briefly the chief features of the subject . There are o ne or two points which stand o u t with peculiar prominence . l Firstly we are struck by the origin , deve op ment , deterioration , and final degradation i n the methods o f coast defence . I n the middle and later periods of the Roman occupation o f Britain the fortresses for coast defence were built i n massive masonry. I n the earliest examples reliance was placed alone in mass and weight , and no attempt was made to pro tect the wall by enfil adi ng . I n the works

o n built later this defect was made good . Pro tect ing bastions gave Opportunity of a t i n tacking the invaders flank , and so protect i ng the wall . I n the Norman period , again , and particularly i n its earlier part massive

2 1 6 E N G L I S H COAST D E F E N C ES have never taken any important part in the f o . defence our coasts This is mai nly due ,

f to o f not to their ine ficiency , but the absence

o f Opportunity . The same is true the M artello towers erected along o u r south - eastern coast

when invasion from France , under Napoleon I

was anticipated . H istory is full of accounts of attempted i n

a i ns v s o of E ngland . U p to the period of the

Norman Conquest , wellnigh every attempt to

land on our shores was eventually , although

a . not lways immediately , successful B ut from the Norman Conquest downward E ngland has always been strong enough to protect herself from enemies who have attempted to make a permanent settlement . This is due to the fact that whilst we have not neglected our coast defences , we have not relied on castles , forts , and other forms of land defence . We have maintained a powerful fleet of war vessels

r f as o u first line o defence . Experience has made it abundantly clear that coast — defence without the aid of a powerful navy would be i nadequate to protect our shores . Our navy T H E COASTG U A R D 2 1 7

i m is , and always must be the first and most

portant of our defences , and its special busi ness is not to act as a simple coastguard force

’ but to seek o u t the enemy s naval force where ever it may be , and destroy it .

2 2 0 I N D E X

i 1 Ca rau s u s . C e e 0 . , 4 hich st r , 7

- C e C ff C e 6 6 . th e ardi astl , 7 9 inqu Ports , barons of ,

- - C e C e 1 1 6 . 2 0 2 2 0 . arlisl astl , 54 5 4

- C C e 0 . e C arr nas , 7 inqu Ports , ourts of,

C e . S ee B a mb o ro u h 2 0 1 . astl s g ,

e C C e o e Bramb r , Burgh , alshot , inqu Ports , L rd Ward n

- C e C e C a r th e 2 0 1 2 0 2 . amb r , ant rbury , of ,

ff C e C e e C e di , arlisl , olch st r , inqu Ports , origin and

6 - 8 C e e 1 1 . owling , D al , Dov r , jurisdiction , 9 9

D u ns ta nb u r h e C e e e g , Folk inqu Ports , privil g s of,

- e 2 00 2 0 . ston , Hastings , Hurst , 4

e e C e th e e e L a n c a s t r , L i v r p o o l , inqu Ports and Si g O e e e C 2 00 . rford , P v ns y , Por of alais ,

- e e ee C e T h e 1 6 2 0 . ch st r , Portland , Qu n inqu Ports , , 9 4

R e e C e e b o r o u g h , o c h s t r , oast castl s and wall d

a d a t e - 1 6 S l t w o o d , S a n g , towns , 95 5 .

S a nd s f r T 1 2 - 2 1 o t C h e 2 . S a n d o w n , , oastguard , , 4

u C e e 0 . Sandwich , Scarboro gh , olch st r , 7

- e C e e C e 1 1 1 1 1 . Southampton , Souths a , olch st r astl , 3

e e C th e e T y n m o u t h , W a l m r , ount of Saxon Shor ,

e W e 1 - 1 6 Walton , War ham , y 3 .

e . C e 2 0 1 . mouth , Yarmouth (Littl ) ourt of Broth rhood ,

C 2 1 2 . C e atamarans , ourt of Broth rhood and

S e e 2 0 1 . C e e e . e hains (d f nsiv ) Gu stling ,

C 1 1 - 1 1 6 C C e e C e . hatham , ow s , Fow y , owling astl , 3

e C e 2 0 . Gillingham R ach , Hull , ow s , chain at , 9

C w e e e e e Portsmouth , Yarmouth o s (W st) , d f nc s at , 8 1 6 . (Great) .

Ch ancto nb u r e C e 1 8 . y Ring , Suss x , umb rland (Fort) , 5

- -8 8 . 2 0 2 0 . Chatham , chain at , 4 Danish incursions , 7 9 5 I N D E X 2 2 1

C ne e e i 2 1 Danish raids at a t rbury , g n ral conclus ons , 4

e e 2 1 . London , Roch st r , Sand 7 8 etc . . wich , , 4

e . Danish raid rs , 99 1 6 . Falmouth , bulwark at , 5 6 at 1 . Dartmouth , bulwark , 5 - - e 2 1 1 2 1 2 . Fir ships ,

C 2 0 2 . . e Dawson , M r harl s , e e 1 2 Fish r Gat , Sandwich , 5

e . D al , 5 1 2 6 .

- e C e 1 60 1 1 1 . D al astl , , 7 7 3 e e C e 1 1 66 . Folk ston astl , 33, e e e C 2 0 - 2 1 0 D f nsiv hains , 4 , 8 C e 1 . Fort umb rland , 5 2 1 5 . e 1 6 Fow y , bulwark at , 5 6 2 - 0 e . Dov r , , 4 5 - 2 0 2 1 0 . chain at , 9 e - Dov r , Anglo Saxon coins , e e 1 . From , Riv r , 5 3 7 7

e 1 66 Dov r , bulwarks at , . Ga r i a nno nu m 1 2 - 2 e C 1 2 - 1 1 6 , 9 , 3 5 , e . Dov r astl , 7 33, 9 Re Gillingham ach , chain at , e 1 . Dov r , Straits of, 3 - 2 0 2 0 . D b r i s 2 - 4 7 u 0 . , 4 5 e e fi r e- off D u ns tanb u r h C e Grav lin s , ships , g astl , 99

2 1 1 .

1 00 .

e e 1 6 . Grav s nd , bulwark at , 5 $ e C e th e th e Gr at astl , , in

1 6 . - Downs , 5 Earthworks , 3 5 .

1 6 . e e e e Gosport , bulwark at , 9 East M rs a , Danish s ttl

e 8 2 . m nt at , h 8 t e C e . 1 1 1 Edward onf ssor , 9 Harwich , .

- e 6 . 8 1 Edwardian castl s , 9 97 Hasting , .

- e e 1 1 1 . England , att mpt d inva H astings , 39 4

6 - 2 1 2 1 . e 8 sions , 7 Hastings , Battl of, 7 .

- e e e C e 1 1 1 . England , Saxon s ttl m nt H astings astl , 39 4

- 80 . H av erfi eld e 6 of, 7 5 , Prof ssor ,

C e e e 0 . English oast D f nc s , 7 2 2 2 I N D E X

’ e VI I I S e e e e 1 1 2 H nry blockhous s , Lisl , Sir G org , .

d e e C e 1 . inactivity in coast Liv rpool astl , 54

- - e e 1 8 8 1 8 2 1 2 1 6 . C e 1 1 2 f nc , 9 , 5 Lucas , Sir harl s , . ’ e VI I I S e L mne I H nry blockhous s , y ) 7 ) 7 7 in flu enc e of gunpowd er

S e 1 8 e e 1 0 - 1 1 hown in th ir plans , 9 Mart llo Tow rs , 9 9

1 0 . e e e e 9 M dway Estuary , d f nc s

VI I e e e 1 - 1 8 0 e . H nry I , coast d f nc s of, 79

- - e 1 1 1 . e e e 2 2 8 . construct d by , 59 9 M rs a , W st , 7

1 6 . Higham , bulwark at , 5

d e e e N Holy I sland , f nc s of, avy , origin and provinc e

1 - 2 0 6 - 1 88 . 2 1 2 1 of, 95 4, 7 .

h e 1 N th e 8 t e 0 . Honorius , Emp ror , 7 , avy , English , N th fi 6 1 . e e d avy , rst lin of e

- e 2 6 - 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 . e 1 2 . Hull , f nc , 7 N 2 0 . e e d e Hull , chain at , 9 avy , und r Hub rt

1 0 1 8 - 2 H ff 00 . u ntcli e 0 . , 7 Burgh , 3 , 9

8 1 N e C e 1 8 . e Hurst astl , 3, 5 avy , und r King Alfr d ,

e 1 1 80 1 6 . Hyth military canal , 9 . , 9 N orman castl es built within

- - 8 e e e 0 1 . 1 0 1 0 . I pswich , 7 Roman d f nc s , 9 9

N e e orman castl s , typ s of,

- 8 0 . e T h e . Jut s , , 7 5 9 9 N orman coast castl es in

’ - 8 - 1 6 . 1 0 2 1 0 . King s Lynn , 3 England , 7 9 , 9 N fl 8 ee . orman t , 7 W N E n . d e Lambard , , on coast orman invasion of g

e f V 1 86 - 8 e o e . f nc s H nry I I I , 59 land , 7

1 60 .

- - 1 1 1 0 8 1 1 . e C e . O C e Lancast r astl , 5 3 54 rford astl , 1

- - L nd u r d 1 8 1 8 1 th na 2 2 8 . a a 0 . O o g Fort , , 5

2 2 4 I N D EX

6 e e e . Silch st r , 7 Wall d Towns

- 1 1 1 . 1 1 1 . Southampton , 49 5 Harwich ,

- C e 1 1 . 1 1 1 . Southampton astl , 5 Hastings , 39 4

- C e e e 1 0 1 1 0 2 . South oast , d f nc s of, H ull ,

- - 1 8 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 8 . 9 . Ipswich , 7

’ 6 1 8 2 - e C e 1 1 0 2 1 0 . Souths a astl , 4 , King s Lynn , 3

- 1 8 e 1 1 . 5 . Lancast r , 5 3 54

- e 0 . 1 2 1 . Staith s , 7 Portsmouth , 4 49

e 1 . e e 1 1 . Straits of Dov r , 3 Roch st r , 7

e e 1 1 . R e 1 8 . Swal , Riv r , 7 y , 3

e e e 1 2 2 - 1 2 Swanscomb , Danish s ttl Sandwich , 7 .

- m 2 . 1 e 8 1 1 nt at , Southampton , 49 5 .

e 1 1 - 1 2 War ham , 5 5 .

1 8 e e . e e e e Winch st r , 3 Tham s Estuary , d f nc s e 1 0 Y G , - armouth ( r at) 3 1 1 80 . of, 7 9 1 0 1 6 7 . Tilbury , bulwark at , 5 .

e C e 1 . Walm r astl , 7 3 e 1 6 . Torn Bay , bulwark at , 5 e e e e e Walm r , arly d f nc s of, Tyn emouth Priory and 1 6 1 - . C e 1 00 1 0 1 . astl , 2 Walton , 5 .

e C e etc . 8 War ham astl , , 7 ,

U C e 80 . pnor astl , I 7 9 I 1 1 - 1 2 5 5 .

C e 1 00 . Warkworth astl , Wall ed Towns W elsh castl es and wall ed

- - e ee 1 . B rwick upon Tw d , towns , 53

8 . e S and s fo rt 9 W ymouth , or

- 1 2 1 . C e 1 8 . Bristol , 5 53 astl , 7

- C e 1 1 1 2 2 . e 1 6 1 . ant rbury , 9 Whit Bulwark ,

- C e 1 1 6 . e N r arlisl , 54 5 William , Duk of o

- C e e 1 1 1 1 1 . 86 . olch st r , 3 mandy ,

e 1 2 . e e 1 8 . Dov r , 3 Winch ls a , 3 I N D E X 2 2 5

e Yarmouth (Gr at) , boom at ,

2 1 5 . I .

e i i e Wyk ham , W ll am of, I Yarmouth (Gr at) , chain at ,

2 0 9 .

1 0 e C e 3 Yarmouth (Littl ) astl ,

- 1 86 1 8 7 . H W C K P R E S S : C H A R L E S WH T T GH A M A N D CO C I S I I IN . TOO K C O R T C HA CE RY L A E L O DO S U . , N N , N N

U I E RS I TY OF CA L I FOR I A L I B R A RY N V N , B E RK E L E Y

TH I S B OOK I S D UE ON TH E L A S T DA TE S TA M P E D B E L OW B ooks not r etu rned on time ar e s ubj ect to a fi ne of 5 00 er volume afte th e th d d a ov e du e n eas n p r ir y r , i cr i g t er v l e fte th e s xth d a B ook s not i n o p o um a r i y . demand may b e r enew ed if ap p licati on i s made fbefor e x at n f n e e p ir i o o loa p ri od .

MR 1 3 1928