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THE CITADEL

The Citadel was designed to act as a last defence should the remainder of the Western Heights defences fall to enemy attack.  Its designs consists of three redans to its western side, and a single redan to the eastern flank.  There are traces of gun positions around the Citadel as well as magazines and barracks.

By far the most impressive is the Officers' Mess, pictured above.  The excellent condition of the Citadel is due to the fact that the Home Office have been in possession of this site since the 1960's and it has seen use as a Youth Offenders Institution and more recently as an Immigration Centre.  This has given rise to modern buildings being built on the site, but these do not detract greatly from the main Citadel, and it is still clear to see how impregnable this fortress was designed to be

Location: Dover

Condition: Very Good

Date Of Visit: 06/05/06

Plan: No

Fortifications In This Area:

The Well House, Western Outworks, Outer Bastion, South Flank Casemates, North Flank Casemates, Archcliffe Cells, Archcliffe Galleries, Dover Breakwater, Detached Bastion, North Entrance

Imposing view of the Officers Mess at the front of the Citadel.

THE CITADEL

The end of the Eastern wing.

The Eastern wing of the Citadel.

The Basement area was were the cells were located.

The cell area, consisting of little more than a bed and a small window.

A view of the ditch around the Citadel.

These casemate barracks have just been transformed for modern day use.

Taken 2006, work to the site is ensuring its preservation.

Same place 2008.

Workshops, dated 1890.