English Heritage

1540Walmer Garrisoned

A captain, lieutenant, ten gunners, four soldiers and two porters form Walmer’s first garrison.

1642Civil War

With the outbreak of civil war in England, the three castles come under Parliamentarian control.

1648Royalist Uprising

Fear for the future of the monarchy provokes a Royalist uprising. In Kent, Royalists occupy Sandown, Deal and Walmer castles, all of which are recaptured after siege and bloody fighting.

1727–Official Residence

The Duke of Dorset makes Walmer Castle an official residence as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and builds a new apartment and a garden.

1792–1806William Pitt

Prime Minister William Pitt is Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. He makes improvements to the house and, together with his niece Lady Hester Stanhope, creates the framework of today’s extensive gardens and grounds.

1829The Duke of Wellington

The hero of Waterloo is made Lord Warden and frequently stays at the castle in summer. He often entertains and has friends and family to stay.

1842Royal Holiday Home

Queen Victoria stays at the castle for nearly a month with Prince Albert and their children.

1852Frozen in Time

Wellington dies at Walmer. His room is now displayed as it was on the day of his death.

See highlights of the collection at Walmer Castle

1865–91Granville Additions

Earl Granville is Lord Warden. He and his wife improve the grounds and have extra rooms built above the gatehouse.

1891Smith’s Furniture Trust

WH Smith, bookshop owner and politician, Lord Warden for only six months, sets up a trust to ensure the historical furniture remains in the castle forever.

1913–34Beauchamp Socials

As Lord Warden, Earl Beauchamp enjoys Walmer with his family each summer, holding parties, tennis and croquet matches, pageants and dances.

1915Wartime Retreat

Beauchamp lends Walmer to Prime Minister Asquith as a weekend retreat. Guests include Lord Kitchener, poet Rupert Brooke, author Henry James and Winston Churchill, later Lord Warden himself.

1978–2002Royal Favour

Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother stays at the castle every year, as Lord Warden. She takes a close interest in the gardens and grounds.

Learn more about Walmer Castle