Queenborough: Site of Sheppey or Queenborough Castle

Image: © Nigel Cox Taken: 24 Nov 2013

The castle was built between 1361 and 1377 on the instructions of King Edward III to defend ships travelling along the Swale. It was constructed as a series of concentric circular defensive ringworks, built around a central keep with an outer wall with six towers. It was probably the earliest such castle to be built in England, and possibly the only royal castle to be constructed in the late medieval period. Shortly after it was completed an earthquake brought down several of the towers which were then rebuilt by King Richard II. After surviving for nearly 300 years the Parliamentary Commissioners decided in 1650 that it was in a poor state of repair, and, to use the modern jargon, no longer fit for purpose. Consequently it was rapidly demolished and a lot of the stonework was shipped to London and used around Whitehall. However modern day excavations have shown that the foundations at least survive in good order. The original well at the centre of the castle keep was reopened and deepened in 1725. This was retained in use until the 20th century with a second well sunk next to the first in 1868. The Ordnance Survey map of 1896 shows an engine house on site. The structure at the top of the mound is the present day covering of the well.

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