Castles and Fortifications of England and Wales

COOLING CASTLE


COOLING CASTLE
Photo Charles Taylor

It was built between 1381 and 1385 to protect the River Thames. It has a double bailey, the eastern side having a tower in each corner and earth walls in between surrounded by a dry moat and accessed through the ornate gateway. The smaller western bailey has stone walls which are still at least half their original height with a tower in each corner and a wet moat on three sides. The entrance is through the eastern bailey on the fourth side. It is now in ruins with a more recent house inside the grounds but the gatehouse remains in good condition. The castle was besieged in 1554 and suffered damaged by cannon fire.

Private, but can be seen from the road. The barns next to the castle are now used as a wedding venue.


Inner bailey south wall photo Charles Taylor Side view of the gateway photo Charles Taylor Inner bailey west wall photo Charles Taylor Photo Charles Taylor
View west from the main gateway photo Charles Taylor East front tower photo Charles Taylor

 

Directions
Off the B2000, 6 miles north of Rochester
Cooling, Rochester, Kent ME3 8DT

 



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