Camber Castle,

Camber Castle is one of Henry VIII's Device Forts built to protect the huge Rye anchorage.

Between 1512 and 1514 Sir Edward Guldeford built a circular tower to protect the harbour. This tower was later integrated into a fort which was built around 1540. The original tower was augmented with four outer towers linked by an octagonal wall concealing a covered passage. Part of this construction was directed by Stefan von Haschenperg (a Czech military engineer). Eventually, four large D-shaped bastions serving as gun platforms were placed in front of the earlier towers. As the shoreline receded south the height of the central tower was raised in order to maintain the range of the castle's cannon.

By the end of the 16th century build up of silt in the Camber made the castle largely obsolete and in 1637 it was disbanded.

There are guided walks round Rye Harbour Nature Reserve most months in the summer, which include the castle and local farm. These tours must be booked in advance

Opening Times

Due to Health and Safety concerns Camber Castle will not be open to visitors except those booked for a guided tour. This can be booked here..

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £3.00
Children: Accompanied children free
Concessions: £1.50
EH Member: Free

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

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