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One of most important sieges in English history. The castle was held by Hubert de Burgh against Louis of France who had invaded England at the behest of the rebel barons. The failure to capture such a strategically important castle was a major set-back for Louis. The siege featured many aspects of siege warfare: attempted bribery; siege engines; mining. The French captured Dover’s barbican and undermined the main gate (subsequently rebuilt and blocked) but the defenders built a barricade and drove back the French. Evidence of mining tunnels can still be seen.

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Lord Phillips

Lord Phillips

Master of the Rolls (2000-2005)

The early settlers in the United States took with them copies of the Magna Carta. One undertaking given by King John in that Charter was as follows: No freeman shall be arrested or imprisoned or disseised or outlawed or exiled or in...

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