Digital model of Dover castle created

A project by a team of English Heritage experts, historians, curators and one of the country's leading historical 3D artists have created a digital model of Dover Castle, as it would have looked in 1216 before damage during the civil war.

The model took more than 800 hours to complete using historical records, plans, maps, archaeological, topographic and laser surveys. Making the model as accurate as possible and showing many features of the castle that have been destroyed.

The new digital model shows where the entrance originally stood, defended by King John's twin-towered gatehouse, from which a wooden bridge crossed the deep outer ditch onto a barbican, a fortified strongpoint defending the approach to the gate. Along with other multiple towers and defensive walls that are now long gone.

The new 3D model was opened to the public on the 22nd of July 2024 as part of their new ‘Dover Castle Under Siege’ attraction.

Visitors can explore Dover's medieval and Georgian underground tunnels, see the model and stand close to the spot where the invaders broke through the original entrance.
New access through the tunnels and out onto the great earthwork defence, known as the Spur, provides a panoramic view of the castle to visitors for the first time.

Dover Castle history between 1215-1217
A civil war raged in England and French soldiers, led by Prince Louis 'the Lion' (son of King Philip II of France), fought alongside English rebel barons against King John.

In 1216 Dover Castle, which remained loyal to John, was a formidable fortress, having been massively extended and strengthened over the previous 40 years.

Its layered defences offered only one practical route for an attack at the northern tip where the main gate of the castle stood.
French and rebel forces broke through into the outer bailey and an epic, bloody struggle for control of the castle ensued.

Led by Hubert de Burgh the castle's defenders ensured that Dover Castle would not be conquered.

After the siege, the castle was massively and expensively re-fortified, attempting to ensure it could never be breached again.

Many of those changes we can still see today, from the imposing new entrances at Constable's Gate and Fitzwilliam Gate, to a network of underground tunnels.

Dover Castle is managed by English Heritage and members can visit free.

Photograph: English Heritage