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Historic England Research Records

Chilham Castle

Hob Uid: 463362
Location :
Kent
Ashford
Chilham
Grid Ref : TR0662053460
Summary : Octagonal castle keep constructed in 1160 with a 14th century curtain wall. Originally with a bailey enclosing circa 8 acres. Excavations located the buried remains of a Norman 11th century hall below the stone annexe to the keep, which contains a blocked archway belonging to the earlier hall building. The country house, also of the same name is to the east of the keep. This was completed in 1616 and altered 1861-63 and 1922. A timber framed building accomodating a donkey wheel was added in the 18th century.
More information : TR 0662 5346: Chilham Castle [NR] (1)

Chilham Castle stands on a mound and consists of an octagonal keep with forebuilding of about 1160 surrounded by a roughly rectangular curtain wall, perhaps 14th century but resting on foundations contemporary with the keep. Examination in 1926 by Clapham and Wheeler showed that the base of the forebuilding incorporated the remains of a 11th century hall. The house of 1626 stands immediately to the east of the keep. (2-4)

Chilham Castle is as described above and is in good condition. Survey (earthworks only) at 1:2500. (5)

Chilham Castle, Grade I. House built 1616, additions and alterations 1861-3 and 1922. Chilham Castle Keep and curtain walls. 11th century and 1171-74. Restored early 20th century.
(For full descriptions see list.) (6,7)

Additional bibliography. (8-16)

A royal castle belonging to Henry II. Octagonal keep almost unique for its date as this style did not become common until the 13th century. However, Henry II was experimenting with designs moving away form the square Norman keep and had just erected another polygonal keep at Orford. The keep at Chilham Castle is intact except for the loss of its parapet. The castle bailey was demolished in Tudor times and the area is now occupied by the Jacobean mansion. The castle did not remain a royal stronghold for long as King John granted it to his illegitimate son Richard and after that it changed hands many times. (17)

Additional reference. (18)
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Source Number : 1
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Source details : OS 6" 1961
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Source details : F1 ASP 17-MAY-1963
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Source details : Borough of Ashford. August 1984
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Source details : Grose F. 1774. Antiquities of England and Wales 2.
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Monument Types:
Monument Period Name : Early Medieval
Display Date : Norman
Monument End Date : 1160
Monument Start Date : 1066
Monument Type : Great Hall
Evidence : Sub Surface Deposit, Architectural Component
Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : Constructed 1160
Monument End Date : 1160
Monument Start Date : 1160
Monument Type : Keep And Bailey Castle
Evidence : Extant Building
Monument Period Name : Medieval
Display Date : C14 addition
Monument End Date : 1399
Monument Start Date : 1300
Monument Type : Curtain Wall
Evidence : Structure
Components and Objects:
Related Records from other datasets:
External Cross Reference Source : Scheduled Monument Legacy (National No.)
External Cross Reference Number : 24360
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : Listed Building List Entry Legacy Uid
External Cross Reference Number : 181416
External Cross Reference Notes :
External Cross Reference Source : National Monuments Record Number
External Cross Reference Number : TR 05 SE 3
External Cross Reference Notes :
Related Warden Records :
Associated Monuments :
Relationship type :
Associated Monuments :
Relationship type :
Related Activities :
Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1900-01-01
End Date : 1999-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : EXCAVATION
Start Date : 1926-01-01
End Date : 1926-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : FIELD OBSERVATION (VISUAL ASSESSMENT)
Start Date : 1963-05-17
End Date : 1963-05-17
Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 1995-01-01
End Date : 1995-12-31
Associated Activities :
Activity type : WATCHING BRIEF
Start Date : 2001-01-01
End Date : 2001-12-31