RICHBOROUGH CASTLE

Kent

Richborough Castle wasn't even built when the site witnessed it's greatest event.  In AD43 the Emperor Claudius sent troops to invade Britain.  They landed here.  Back then Richborough sat at one end of the Wantsum Channel which separated the rest of Kent from the Isle of Thanet. The Romans called this place Rutupiae, and set up a settlement on a small island in the Wantsum - this would eventually become Richborough Castle, no longer an island, but considerably higher than any of the surrounding country.

Around AD85 a massive triumphal monument was built here, little has survived but the great square plinth (picture centre) and some odd fragments housed in the museum on site.  For much of its life Richborough was merely a settlement - indeed the Roman Road, Watling Street, ends here - a straight line enters from the eastern side of the Fort (the other end was in Chester!).

A Fort was constructed here late in the 3rd century, originally of earth ramparts - the earthworks are still the most impressive part of the Castle - and it was turned into one of the Forts of the "Saxon Shore" by the self-proclaimed 'Emperor of Britain' Carausius.  Carausius had rebelled against Rome and the Forts were half built to protect against Saxon invasion and half against Roman retaliation.  As it was Carausius was murdered by his Chief of Finance.  Eventually the Romans decided enough was enough.  They landed in Hampshire and took all the Saxon Shore Forts from their vulnerable landward side.

After the Romans left Richborough's importance declined, and when the Wantsum all but silted up and the new town of Sandwich was created nearby the Fort was allowed to decay.  Despite this some of the walls stand to almost 25 feet in height - their original height.

Richborough Castle is owned by English Heritage and is open all year.

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© Text copyright - Raving Loony Productions, Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
© Photos and Artwork - Andrew J. Müller and Roy Barton
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2009