Queenborough Castle

Queenborough Castle stands on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, overlooking the Swale waterway. Built in the 14th century by King Edward III, it was the first concentric castle in England and the only royal castle constructed during the Late Middle Ages. Named after his wife Philippa, the castle served both as a defence against coastal raids and a refuge during the Black Death. Its design included a circular rotunda with six towers, an outer curtain wall, and a deep moat. The castle’s strategic position controlled access to the River Medway and Thames Estuary. The castle’s history reflects its importance in England’s medieval defences. It was equipped with early artillery, including guns sent from the Tower of London before Dover Castle received any. Notable figures such as John of Gaunt and George Plantagenet served as constables. The castle was repaired by Henry VIII and later attacked during the English Civil War. By 1650, it was judged unfit for use and demolished, though its well remained in use for centuries. Today, the site is a public park where only earthworks remain of the once grand castle. The well, later used by the Royal Navy, was 61 metres deep and supplied water to Sheerness dockyard. A railway line and school were built over parts of the site in the 19th century. Visitors can still see the low remains of the moat and imagine the castle’s original layout from historical records and illustrations.