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Walmer Castle
Built along similar lines to Deal, but with fewer bastions, Walmer's later development stands in remarkable contrast to its neighbour. This is due to its designation, in 1708, as the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.
Throughout its history, the post has been held by many distinguished people who have left their opulent mark on the building and its grounds. Some rooms have been converted into museums of memorabilia, particularly regarding the Duke of Wellington who, as Lord Warden, died at Walmer in 1852. Visible today is the room and the chair he died in, alongside his favoured Army camp bed, preserved now exactly as it would have looked 150 years ago. In a display case in the neighbouring room are his Lord Warden uniform and his famous boots!
Other notable Wardens have included Pitt the Younger, WH Smith, Winston Churchill and the Queen Mother.
The Cantiaci children displayed less interest in the grandeur of Walmer's interior, and who could blame them after the dark, creepy tunnels of Deal. However, once we ventured outside into Walmer's marvellous grounds, they were in their element!
Venturing to the garden designed by Penelope Hobhouse to mark the Queen Mother's 95th birthday , they noticed that the 95-foot long lily pond was full of small amphibians and spent at least an hour excitedly scooping up and handling them!
The Gardens, like the Castle, bear the influence of Lord Wardens over the centuries. They include an oval lawn containing lime trees planted by Pitt, a Kitchen Garden both productive and ornamental, a drained moat resplendant with trees and shrubs, a 1930's croquet lawn and a 'glen', created around 1803 by Lady Hester Stanhope from old chalk quarry.
It was a very successful trip. The weather was on our side, the two Castles were fascinating, and the children had an excellent time! All thanks for those who made the journey, as it was the contribution of all involved which made the day as good as it was. Let's hope our future trips can match it!
photos by Shaun , Alison R and Caz
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