Reculver Tower and Roman Fort, Kent

The hamlet of Reculver once occupied a strategic location at the western end of the Wantsum Channel, between the Isle of Thanet and the Kent mainland. This inspired the Romans to build a small fort, probably around 43 AD, and, starting late in the 2nd century, they built a "castrum" called Regulbium, which later was part of the chain of Saxon Shore forts.

Reculver retained its importance after the Romans left, as an Anglo-Saxon palace may have been built in the ruins of the Roman fort before a "preaching cross" and monastery were built there. During the Middle Ages the twin spires of the church became a landmark for mariners known as the "Twin Sisters", supposedly after daughters of Geoffrey St Clare.

The military connection continued in World War II, when Barnes Wallis' "bouncing bombs" were tested in the sea off Reculver.

Reculver declined in importance as coastal erosion claimed many buildings constructed on the soft sandy cliffs. The village was largely abandoned in the late 18th century, and most of the church was demolished. Protecting the ruins and the rest of Reculver from erosion is an ongoing challenge.

Reculver Country Park is a Special Protection Area and Site of Special Scientific Interest; it has rare clifftop meadows and is an important area for migrating birds.

(Photographs Courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

Any reasonable time in daylight hours. Exterior viewing only.

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Ticket Prices

Admission is free.

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Disabled Facilities

Disabled access (grounds only - long slope up from car park).

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More Information

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