Kent’s landscape is shaped by some of Britain’s most remarkable medieval castles, from the formidable royal strongholds that once guarded the route between London and Dover, to lesser‑known but equally fascinating fortifications built by local lords. Spanning from the Norman Conquest to the defense anxieties of the 14th and 15th centuries, these castles reveal a rich and varied story of military strategy, political authority, and regional identity.

In this engaging talk, medieval historian Richard Eales traces the development of Kent’s castles and explores the debates surrounding their uses—were they military bastions, status symbols, administrative centres, or something more? Focusing on what made Kent unique in the medieval world, Eales brings together architectural evidence, historical context, and decades of scholarly insight.

Richard Eales taught medieval history at the University of Kent and is a published authority on Norman Kent, castles, and the Domesday Book. He is also a chess master and has written widely on the history of games.