Tonbridge Castle

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Tonbridge Castle is situated on Castle Street, Tonbridge

[edit] Early history

Following the Norman Conquest, Richard Fitz Gilbert was granted land in Kent to guard the crossing of the River Medway. He erected a simple Motte-and-bailey castle on the site. In 1088 after the de Clare family (descendents of Fitz Gilbert) rebelled against King William II his army beseiged the castle. After holding for two days the castle falls and as punishment the king had both the castle and the town of Tonbridge burnt to the ground. The de Clares later replaced the wooden castle with a stone shell keep.

[edit] Modern history

The site was purchased by the local council in 1900, who now use a mansion built on the grounds as offices, and making the grounds a public park.


[edit] External links

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