Walmer Castle - Kent - England
Posted by: 
GeoRams
N 51° 12.010 E 001° 24.007
31U E 388223 N 5673300
Found in the grounds of Walmer Castle.
Coordinates are approximate. (Exact to be confirmed at next visit).
Waymark Code: WM8PY
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 03/11/2006
Views: 68
Walmer Castle is owned by English Heritage and was originally built during the reign of Henry VIII.
When visiting this site, it is easy to imagine why the Duke of Wellington enjoyed his time here so much. The spirit of Napoleon's nemesis and the victor of Waterloo still lives on at this former coastal artillery fort. He used the castle frequently during his 23 years as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and the room - and his yellow chintz armchair in which he died on 14 September 1852 - are still as they were. The 'Iron Duke' preferred unsophisticated furnishings and the campaign-bed on which he slept - with its original horsehair mattress and bedding - remains on display as a testament to his spartan tastes. A pair of original 'Wellington boots' can also be seen alongside a great many personal effects in the fascinating on-site Wellington museum.
Originally conceived during the reign of Henry VIII as a vital defence against the threat of a Catholic attack from across the channel, Walmer Castle has evolved over time into a country residence resembling a miniature stately home. It became official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in 1708 and many of the holders of the now ceremonial role have added to the site. A legacy of charming gardens and additional rooms, all sensitive to the original architecture of the site, have been left by successive Lords Warden. The founder of the renowned high-street shop, the Rt Hon WH Smith was appointed Lord Warden in 1891 and was instrumental in saving many of the furnishings, including those belonging to Wellington and Pitt. These can be seen on display throughout the site. In recent years, Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports have been provided with private apartments above the gatehouse and, although these were never used by Sir Winston Churchill during his tenure, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother made regular visits and stopovers at the castle. Some of the rooms used by the Queen Mother are open to visitors, as is the magnificent Queen Mother's Garden, designed by Penelope Hobhouse and given to Her Majesty on her 95th birthday.
The gardens hold much of horticultural and historical interest. The moat that once surrounded the fort has been grassed over since the 19th century and now hosts a wide variety of flowers and other greenery. There is also a commemorative lawn, woodland walk, croquet lawn and a working kitchen garden, as well as a double herbaceous border flanked by mature yew hedges.
What are the opening times?
Dates Opening Times Opening Days
1 Apr-30 Sep* 10am-6pm* Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Oct 10am-4pm Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
1-31 Mar 10am-4pm Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.
Details:* Closes at 4pm Saturday /
Closed 7-9 Jul when Lord Warden is in residence
How much does it cost?
Adult:£6.20
Children:£3.10
Concession:£4.70
English Heritage Members:Free
Other:Family ticket £15.50
Sundial Type: Armillary Sphere - series of rings in plane of equator
Related Web Site: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Only one log per location per person. You should log your own waymarked sundials as well.
GPS in photo optional.