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Built by Henry VIII as part of his coastal defence, it took 18 months to build
at a cost of £2887. Similar to Walmer castle in design and built with recycled stone from a
nearby monastery, it was completed in 1540.
It was to be guarded by a captain and 34 men, however the garrison may have been
varied at times as another source says 18 men.
In 1553, it was given to Lord Clinton, the Lord Warden of Cinque Ports and it
passed through a number of hands
In 1642, Sandown Castle was held by Parliamentary
forces, however during the Kent Rebellion in 1648, it was taken and declared for the King.
Cromwell’s army besieged the castle and it finally fell.
In 1664, under Charles II, it was used as prison for Colonel John Hutchinson who
died there.
It suffered sea damage in 1785 and it was remodelled in 1805 and garrisoned to
assist in the defences against Napoleon.
Following further sea and fire damage, the castle was finally sold and
demolished in 1863, with the stone being used to repair the castle at Walmer.
Sandwon Castle is located a mile south of Deal Castle.
Sandown Castle Map
Map references: Latitude 51.2378° Longitude 1.4028°
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