We got to the castle shortly before mid-morning and did a guided tour of the underground tunnel and hospital complex. Although the tunnels were set up as they were during WWII (HQ for the equation of Dunkirk and other notable naval operations), we were told the tunnels actually dated back to the Napoleonic Wars and were initially used as barracks for soldiers.
The Wartime Tunnel Entrance...
Dover Castle dated back a bit farther. It was built in the 1180's by Henry II and his wife Elanor of Aquitaine - but there were other structures (the Pharos - lighthouse) at least dating back to the Roman period about 700 years earlier. Dover Castle is quite a large, well-preserved, and impressive structure. We had the opportunity to roam all through the rooms and tunnels - lots of ups & downs - hills, stairs, and ramp ways. They had several rooms set up with medieval furnishings and had some costumed players roaming here and there. Dan got dragged into a performance between Henry II and his court as a the brother of a murder victim. The Scouts did seem a little bit disappointed (but maybe that was just tiredness), that they couldn't get into the education building to try on armor and chain mail.
Walking up to Dover Castle...
Dan taking part in the Royal Court....jpg)
Ryan trying to lift some chain mail...
Up on top of the Keep looking across the Channel....jpg)
The also had a nice little museum showing the history of the Princess of Wales Military Regiment from the 16th century to today, including a not-too-biased bit on the American Revolution (although it gave a bit too much press to the French in that conflict).
The weekend is planned as host family experiences, although Sunday we are scheduled to have a Leaving Party at a nearby pub.
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