Let’s start
Who built the Spur Tunnels?
A tyrant King?
A princely invader? or
A valiant defender?
Follow this story to find out.
Picture It
1216 and King John’s England is in turmoil.
Most Barons are rebelling against the King.
He has lost lands in France.
He has reneged on Magna Carta, which he signed in 1215.
John’s Government is harsh, taxation is high, no wonder there is rebellion!
John shakes his head, and moans, ‘things can’t get any worse’ – but they do!!!
The French are coming!
The Barons invite Prince Louis of France to take the English throne.
May 1216, Prince Louis and his army land in north Kent.
The French and rebel Barons take most of southern England.
Dover Castle (the key to England) holds out for John.
July – the Castle is besieged.
The French camp on higher ground – opposite the North Gate – an area vulnerable to attack
A barbican to defend the gatehouse is captured by the French.
French tunnellers bring the east tower of the North Gate crashing down and attack through the gap.
Louis thinks the castle is his – but no!!
Enter Hubert de Burgh
Constable of Dover Castle, Hubert’s army includes 140 Knights.
Fierce fighting erupts, the English repel the French, the gap is filled with timbers.
Failure, Truce, Death & Succession
Prince Louis fails and signs a truce in Oct 1216.
King John dies of dysentery days later.
King John’s 9-year-old son is crowned King Henry III, and William Marshal becomes the boy King’s protector.
Prince Louis Tries Again!
May 1217 sees the siege resume, but Dover holds out!
Louis is defeated on land at the Battle of Lincoln and at sea at the Battle of Sandwich Bay.
Louis and his English allies accept a settlement.
Spur Tunnels Constructed
H-de-B masterminds construction of the tunnels to strengthen defences.
The North Gate towers were made solid.
St John’s Tower and Spur are constructed.
Defenders could now mount attacks against besiegers.
A new entrance, Constable’s Gate, is built.
550 Years Later
The northern end of Dover Castle is still vulnerable to attack – this time by Napoleon!
The Spur Tunnels and outworks are remodelled.
Today sees Medieval and Napoleonic era military engineering.
Back to the Questions!
Who built the Spur Tunnels?
A tyrant King?
A princely invader? or
A valiant defender?
Answer – all three!!!
David Thomas
Great Tower Volunteer
21/9/24