11th Century:
- The construction of Dover Castle began in the early 11th century, around the year 1066, during the reign of William the Conqueror.
12th Century:
- The castle underwent significant expansion and rebuilding during the 12th century, particularly under King Henry II who heavily invested in the castle's fortifications.
- The Great Tower, also known as the Keep, was constructed during this time. It is the largest keep in England and took around 12 years to build.
13th Century:
- In the 13th century, additional fortifications and improvements were made to the castle, including the construction of the Constable's Tower and the St. John's Tower.
14th and 15th Centuries:
- Further enhancements were made to the castle during the 14th and 15th centuries, including the addition of the Outer Ward and the construction of additional towers.
19th Century:
- In the early 19th century, during the Napoleonic Wars, the castle underwent substantial renovations and modernization to adapt to the evolving warfare techniques of the time.
- The construction of the South Front, which serves as the main entrance to the castle, took place during this period.
The construction timeline of Dover Castle spans several centuries, reflecting its strategic importance as a fortification throughout English history.
