Canterbury Castle

Canterbury Castle started life as a Norman keep, taking the place of a motte and bailey construction. It has had an eclectic past, having spent time as a royal castle under Henry I, a county gaol in the 13th century, before passing into the hands of a gas company in the 19th century, where it was used for gas storage.

Today the ruins are predominantly from the Norman period, although only the bottom half remains - the top floors were blown off by the Victorian gas company. The original motte which predates the Norman construction is also still visible.

The castle can be viewed as part of the city wall trail. Leaflets on the trail are available at the information centre in Sun street opposite the cathedral's main gateway.