Explore the amazing Norman architecture in White Cliffs Country...
To mark the European Year of the Normans, the Anglo-French celebration of 1000 years since the birth of William the Conqueror, and with the Bayeux Tapestry on display at the British Museum from September 2026 to June 2027, we've put together a list of fascinating sites in the area where you can see some exceptional examples of Norman architecture.
When William, Duke of Normandy invaded Britain in 1066, he left the battlefield at Hastings and headed straight to Dover. The town was and remains a vital strategic point, guarding the shortest crossing to France. William of Poitiers described the event: 'Then he marched to Dover, which had been reported impregnable and held by a large force. The English, stricken with fear at his approach had confidence neither in their ramparts nor in the numbers of their troops ... While the inhabitants were preparing to surrender unconditionally, our men, greedy for booty, set fire to the castle and the great part of it was soon enveloped in flames'. The chronicle goes on to say that William paid for the repair and 'having taken possession of the castle, the Duke spent eight days adding new fortifications to it.'
It is possible that a castle existed at Dover before the conquest, but archaeological evidence suggests that a new castle was constructed near the Saxon church of St Mary in Castro, which is still in the castle grounds today.
The Great Tower was built in the 1180s by King Henry II and is referred to as the 'crown jewel' of Norman defensive architecture.
This impressive church in the town centre is Dover's parish church. The building itself is of early Norman origin built in the early 12th century on the foundations of a Roman structure. Norman architecture can still be seen in the lower two stages and the three upper stages of the west tower and in the nave arcades.
The Grade II-listed Scheduled Monument church ruins of St James the Apostle, next door to The White Horse pub on Castle Hill Road, is thought to include a Norman round-headed doorway, although the dog tooth decorative elements of the arch are Victorian.
Extensively bomb damaged in World War II, the ruins of the church were kept as a commemorative monument to the wartime experience of the people of Dover. Expert stonemasons used Jurassic limestone from Caen in France to repair and replace areas of stonework using traditional techniques and hand-carving, helping to preserve the landmark for future generations.
This Grade I-listed church is a fine example of a complete Norman church built c.1150 - a rebuilding of an earlier building - with a late 12th-century tower. The doorways are particularly worth seeing - the earlier and more spectacular is the west doorway with its decorative carvings but the north door is better preserved, as it is protected by a porch. Inside, the chancel still has Norman windows.
The free village car park is adjacent to the church, which is open daily. If you find the church locked, you can borrow the key from the nearby village shop during opening hours.
Built around the same time as the Great Tower at Dover Castle, in 1180, this beautiful church on a country lane is said to be Kent's finest Norman church with some of the best Norman decorative stonework in Britain.
Visit to see the heavily carved Caen stone exterior and very detailed south doorway. It also has a rare Norman wheel window.
Please note that there is no parking by the church. It is on a narrow country lane, so best accessed by walking or cycling from nearby . The church is open every day from 8.30am to 5pm (but may close earlier during winter months); walkers and cyclists are welcome.
St Clement’s must have been an impressive Norman church. Its magnificent tower rests upon four high arches, indicating that it was the crossing tower at the centre of a cross-shaped church, with transepts to the north and south. Architectural historians see parallels with contemporary work at Canterbury Cathedral.
At the summit of the four ‘crossing piers’ you can see exquisitely carved capitals (the decorative top of the crossing piers) and three above the shafts in the eastern arch show the intriguing faces of mask-like creatures. It has been suggested that the beaded ribbons coming out of the mouths of Norman helmets might represent the newly-conquering Normans speaking their foreign tongue, looking down upon their subjects. Being internal and set high up, these superb 900-year-old stone carvings are wonderfully well preserved.
Find out more about this beautiful church in the illustrated guidebook available to buy in the church itself and take a fascinating audio-tour of the church.
All these wonderful sites can be visited by car and if you wish to make a day of it, we suggest the following route:
If travelling by train, it is still possible to visit the sites in Dover and Sandwich as they are within walking distance from the stations.
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