Richborough Castle

Richborough Castle is the remains of the Roman settlement of Rutupiae, established around AD 43, with significant developments occurring in the 2nd, 10th, and 12th centuries. The main features include the sea-pebble and rubble stone walls, which are faced with stone and tile levelling courses. Three sides of the late 3rd century Saxon shore fort remain, while the eastern wall has fallen to the sea, which is now several miles away. The walls stand approximately 25 feet high and 12 feet thick, enclosing an area of about 5 acres.

Inside this area, there are the foundations of a large monument commemorating Agricola's final conquest of Britain around AD 85, a 2nd century government rest house (mansio), shops, the font of a Christian church dating to around AD 400, and a late Saxon church that was extended in the 12th century but destroyed in the 17th century. Extensive earthworks associated with various phases of development can be found within and surrounding the fort. At one time, Richborough served as a large port with extensive wharfing, acting as the landing place and supply base for the Claudian invasion in AD 43.