As we’ve seen the Normans brought their new castle technology with them to England. These rapidly constructed wooden and earth forts, perfect for securing and protecting newly captured territory, were perfect to protect and secure their new territory.

It is therefore not surprising that many of the oldest Norman Castles are centred around their earlier gains on the South Coast of England, and near to (and in) London, a key early target.

Thankfully many of these original castles have survived, not in their original motte and bailey form, but developed into stone fortresses vital for defence for the next 500+ years.

Here is our guide to five of the best.

DOVER CASTLE

Dover Castle is a castle in the town of Dover, Kent, England. It was built by Henry II in the 1180s as a defence against French invasion.

The castle is known for its strategic location, as it sits atop a hill overlooking the English Channel and the port of Dover.

It is also known for its strong defensive features, including a number of towers and walls, as well as a moat and a drawbridge.

TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London is a complex of buildings that includes the White Tower, a large, square, stone keep that was used as a royal palace and a prison.

It was built by William the Conqueror in the 1070s after his victory at the Battle of Hastings.

The Tower of London is known for its rich history, as it has been used as a royal palace, a treasury, a menagerie, and a prison over the centuries.

It is also home to the Crown Jewels, a collection of royal regalia that includes the crown, sceptre, and orb.

PEVENSEY CASTLE

Pevensey Castle is a castle in the town of Pevensey, East Sussex, England. Pevensey was where William The Conqueror landed on his successful invasion of England and so the site held symbolic as well as strategic value to the Normans.

The castle was built over an existing Roman fort on a peninsular rather than on a motte or earthen mound. In Roman and Norman times the peninsular jutted out into the nearby tidal marshes and lagoon, thus forming a strong defensive position.

Over the centuries, Pevensey Castle has been reinforced several times, most notably during the 16th century and during the Second World War. It has also withstood several attempts to breach its walls, most notably a siege carried out by Simon de Montfort against the sheltering supporters of King Henry III in 1264.

Today, Pevensey Castle is a picturesque ruin under the remit of English Heritage, open to visitors to explore its eminent grounds. The site includes the remaining elements of the Roman fort, including the majority of the original outer walls and towers, as well as the medieval dungeons. There is also an exhibition detailing the castle’s history, including its role as a World War Two observation and command post.

ROCHESTER CASTLE

Rochester Castle is a castle in the town of Rochester, Kent, England. It was built in the 11th century by Bishop Gundulf, a Norman bishop who was also known for his work as an architect and engineer.

It was one of the first castles to be converted from its original motte and bailey design to a more robust stone fortress.

The castle was built on a hill overlooking the River Medway, and it was designed to defend against invasions from the sea. It was also used as a base for the Bishop’s troops and as a place of refuge in times of trouble.

Rochester Castle was the site of several sieges during the Middle Ages, including the Siege of Rochester in 1215. King John beseiged the castle in one of the many medieval disputes between the monarch and Archbishop of Canterbury.

In later years, Rochester Castle was used as a prison and as a military barracks. It was also used as a storehouse for grain and other supplies.

Visitors to Rochester Castle can explore the castle’s many towers and walls, and they can also see a number of exhibits that illustrate the castle’s history and its role in English history.

LEWES CASTLE

Lewes Castle, originally known as Bray Castle, is a castle located just north of the high street in the town of Lewes in East Sussex, England.

It is situated on a man-made mount overlooking the River Ouse, and is constructed from local limestone and flint blocks.

The castle occupies a strategic position, as it guards a gap in the South Downs in southern England and overlooks the towns of Lewes and Cliffe.

The castle, was built in the 11th century by William de Warenne, a Norman nobleman who was granted the title of Earl of Surrey by King William the Conqueror. He was also known for his military prowess, and he played a significant role in the Norman Conquest of England.

The castle is unusual in that it has two mottes one of only two castles (the other being Lincoln Castle) to do so.

It has remained in the possession of the de Warenne family for much of its history but is now owned by the Sussex Archaeological Society which was gifted the castle in 1922.