South East Historic Landmarks
Castles and Fortresses
Although it's hard to choose the best ones, here is a quick run down of the South East's top castles and forts.
Castles and Forts
Portchester Castle built in the 3rd century, is the only Roman stronghold in northern Europe whose walls still mainly stand to their full 6 metre height, complete with most of their originally twenty towers. Later housing a Saxon settlement, the waterside fortress became a Norman castle in the 12th century. English Heritage 
Southsea Castle was built in 1544 by Henry VIII to protect the country from invaders. Barely was the work completed when Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, tragically sank in front of the Castle. During the English Civil War, nearly a century later, the Castle was captured for the only time in its history, by Parliamentarian forces. 
Arundel Castle though originally built in the 11th century, suffered badly during the English civil war, so most of what you see today was constructed during the 18th and 19th centuries. However, the castle is home to the Duke of Norfolk and 1000 years of history, including the impressive remains of the keep and suits of armour.
Bodiam castle built in 1385 is one of the most classic castles in Britain, with virtually all of the exterior walls complete, much of the interior survives and it also comes with a moat! 
Leeds Castle set amidst a lake is often described as a romantic castle and is certainly one of Britain’s most stunning. You can wander through the beautiful grounds to wander through as well as superbly restored rooms. 
Dover Castle is set high above the cliffs in all it's impressive splendour, where you can immerse yourself in the medieval world of King Henry II, authentically re-created to show how the castle may have appeared when built new during the 1180’s.
Fort Nelson was built in the 1860s, as part of a chain of fortifications protecting Portsmouth from a feared French invasion. Opened in 1995 as home to the Royal Armouries collection of artillery, Fort Nelson has over 350 big guns and historic cannon on display, all part of the national collection of arms and armour.
