Stone from Sandown Castle, a Tudor coastal fortress ordered by Henry VIII, ended up built into a later addition at Dover Castle, according to new research led by Dr. Christopher Moore, a research fellow at the University of Kent.
Moore traced the material to an 1883-84 extension at Constable’s Gate, which was built to provide quarters for Dover Castle’s commanding officer. He matched details in the surviving structure with historic records, including an 1883 report stating that materials from Sandown Castle were being sent to Dover for the project.
Sandown Castle was one of three coastal forts known as the “castles of the Downs,” constructed in 1539-40 as part of England’s coastal defenses. Unlike nearby Walmer Castle, which still stands, Sandown took heavy damage from coastal erosion in the 19th century, was abandoned, and was later largely demolished. Its stone then moved into other builds across East Kent.
Moore also traced Sandown stone to other sites, including Eastry Union Chapel, Walmer Castle, and the second pier abutment at Deal. In other words, pieces of a “lost” fortress still sit in working walls and public infrastructure.
For restoration teams and mason contractors working around heritage assets, the story lands close to home. Moore’s work depended on documentation. That same mindset helps on today’s salvage and reuse jobs. Track where reclaimed stone comes from, record where it goes, and keep clear photos and notes tied to specific building areas. Those job records can become the next generation’s proof of what was saved, moved, and built back in.
Moore co-founded The Henrician Archaeological Research Foundation with Dr. Manolo Guerci. The charity focuses on lost Early Modern architecture, including sites erased by erosion, neglect, or demolition.
Read the full, original article from Archaeology News Online Magazine here.