Dover Castle: The Key to England at the Gateway to Europe

Dover Castle has been dubbed the “Key to England” due to its location at the frontline of defense. Dover has played an important role in Britain’s history, both as a trading port and as the gateway to England, due to its being the closest town to continental Europe. Although the current castle dates to the Medieval period, the site in southeastern England may have been occupied as early as the Iron Age. Dover Castle served a military function up until the 20th century, after which it became a tourist attraction. 

Historians believe that the Classis Britannicus was based out of the Roman fort at Dover, which incidentally was not on the same site as Dover Castle. (RadoJavor / Deviant Art)

The Roman Invasion: Creation of a Roman Fort at Dover

According to the archaeological evidence available, the site of Dover Castle in Kent may have already been occupied between 800 BC and 43 AD during the British Iron Age. This is based on the discovery of massive earth ramparts and ditches which suggest that an Iron Age hillfort once stood on the site. In 43 AD, the Romans launched the invasion of Britain under Emperor Claudius and Dover became part of the Roman Empire. The Romans established their first port on the island at Richborough. By the second century AD, Dover too was developed into a port.