A 'Miniature Castle' hidden on the Cliffs of Dover

[Jorolat]

In the early 1800s two brothers, Stephen and Rogers Court of Snargate Street, Dover, built a folly in the shape of a miniature castle on the Western Heights cliffs.

Very, very few local people know of the building's existence and even less have visited it. The appended photos are among the first to be published on the internet.

For much of its history the miniature castle has been neglected. The ruins are now hidden behind trees on the cliff-face and access is quite difficult.

More information on Court's the Wine Merchants is available at this Dover Museum webpage.

A video slideshow, titled "Dover's 'Other Castle': The Court's Folly", contains nearly 80 photos of the folly and its immediate surroundings. It's available on both Google and YouTube with YouTube giving the better picture.

I'll be adding subtitles soon (the maggots in the underground cistern speak for themselves - just be thankful you can't see them moving) and will replace the slideshow with a 'proper' video in the near future.

The slideshow is pretty basic (my first attempt), I spent ages adding video effects only to find neither Google or YouTube like .wmv files - or my version of .wmv files, more likely.

If you can't be bothered with the video, below are some thumbnails of the folly (just click on them for a larger image).

John Latter / Jorolat

 


 
The Court Brothers' Miniature Castle of Dover Folly

[g a r]

Is this anywhere near the Grand Shaft on the western heights?

cheers,
g a r

[Jorolat]

Is this anywhere near the Grand Shaft on the western heights?

cheers,
g a r

Yes it is, Gar, the folly is on the same section of cliffs as the Grand Shaft but a bit nearer to the town.

I see that although you live in Canada you obviously know the area

John Latter

    
The Grand Shaft of Dover

[g a r]

Had a short holiday in the 90's, which included a visit to Dover. I seem to recall hearing something about barracks being located somewhere on the western heights in the 40's but could be memory playing tricks on me. This would be separate from the folly I presume.

Never did get to see the Grand Shaft, so I appreciate the photos.

cheers,
g a r

[Jorolat]

Had a short holiday in the 90's, which included a visit to Dover. I seem to recall hearing something about barracks being located somewhere on the western heights in the 40's but could be memory playing tricks on me. This would be separate from the folly I presume.

Never did get to see the Grand Shaft, so I appreciate the photos.

cheers,
g a r

Your memory is fine, Gar! There were barracks on the Western Heights but they have since been demolished.

The barracks were also the most visible structures on the Western Heights. Nearly all of the fortifications there (which are far more extensive than those found on the Castle side of town) are embedded so little is seen from the valleys below:

    
The Drop Redoubt

 
The North Centre Bastion

    

St Martin's Battery

Glad you liked the Grand Shaft photos!

John Latter



The Court Brothers' hidden  Miniature Castle of Dover Folly

[g a r]

Thanks for those John! It's almost as good as being on holiday again! 

cheers,
g a r

[Jorolat]

Thanks for those John! It's almost as good as being on holiday again! 

cheers,
g a r

You're very welcome, Gar!

John Latter



Dover Castle

[g a r]

Is the Roman Painted House still there?

I know when we were in Dover, work was being done on the A20 (a new interchange or something) and it was being held up because the archaeologists were cataloging the site.

cheers,
g a r

[Jorolat]

Is the Roman Painted House still there?

I know when we were in Dover, work was being done on the A20 (a new interchange or something) and it was being held up because the archaeologists were cataloging the site.

cheers,
g a r

Yes it is, Gar - this webpage (one of many) has some info on it plus a map.

I went inside about a fortnight ago but only a few of my photos were usable so I binned the lot (you're not allowed to use a flash and I had no tripod). I'm going back when I get my new go-faster camera - I'll post some pics then.

John Latter

   

The Court Brothers' hidden Miniature Castle of Dover Folly