Pictures of Pevensey Castle

a Castle in the town of Pevensey, in the county of East Sussex

About Pevensey Castle

When it was first built Pevensey Castle must have been an impressive sight standing against all-comers while the waters of the gentle Sussex sea lapped beneath its walls. Today, its crumbling ruins surrounded by a moat are no less impressive, in fact they are tremendously appealing, and act as a reminder of an important part of Sussex history.

The castle dates back to Roman times, the harbour over which it was built became silted up. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the castle was not built in the rectangular fashion of the times, but in an oval more open plan with vast curtain walls and round towers.

Following the Norman Conquest a review revealed the military importance of Pevensey, and the castle was strengthened by Robert, Count of Mortain. The castle was granted to de Mortain, he was the half-brother of William the Conqueror.

Despite being laid to siege a number of times, most notably in 1264 by Simon de Montfort on his way to Lewes, and later in 1399 by Yorkist troops, Pevensey castle was never taken by siege. For a while following these events the castle was left uninhabited and fell into disrepair. A brief revival came in 1587 when it was temporarily fortified against the threat of the Spanish invasion.

It was around this time that the sea receded, and Pevensey ceased to be a commanding coastal fortress. From this time onwards it passed through a variety of owners until it was handed to the nation by the Duke of Devonshire in 1925.

Pevensey Castle was revived once more, this was during World War II when it was used by the Home Guard as a command post.

The castle is now in the hands of English Heritage and makes a fascinating day out for all the family.

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Nearby travel help

Pevensey & Westham Station	(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
Pevensey Bay Station	(0.5 miles, 0.9 km)
Lydd Airport	(28.2 miles, 45.4 km, direction E)
M23 Junction 10A	(28.5 miles, 45.8 km, direction NW)
M23 Junction 11	(29.5 miles, 47.4 km, direction NW)
London Gatwick Airport	(31.9 miles, 51.3 km, direction NW)
Pevensey Castle to London	(51.5 miles, 82.9 km, direction NW)

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