Introduction

Few places in England carry as much layered history as Pevensey Castle. Standing on the edge of the Pevensey Levels, this site began life as the Roman fort of Anderitum, before being reused by William the Conqueror and later refortified through the Middle Ages, Tudor period, and even World War II.

Here’s a short look at one of Sussex’s most remarkable castles.

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Roman Origins

Pevensey began as Anderitum, a Saxon defence Shore fort built around AD 290–300. Its massive curtain wall, nearly 12 feet thick and over half a mile around, was designed to repel seaborne raiders. These Roman walls still stand today as some of the most complete in northern Europe, with distinctive red tile banding running through the stonework.

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Norman Conquest

On 28 September 1066, William the Conqueror landed his invasion fleet at Pevensey Bay. He quickly turned the old Roman fort into his first stronghold in England, building a timber castle inside the walls. Within a year, William granted the site to his half-brother Robert of Mortain, who began constructing the Norman inner bailey in stone.

The inner castle was reinforced during the 12th and 13th centuries with towers, gatehouses, and curtain walls. It became a formidable fortress, enduring sieges in 1088, 1147, and 1264.

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Later History

In the Tudor era, Pevensey was adapted as an artillery fortress with cannon emplacements to defend the coast. Even in the 20th century, the castle was reused — World War II saw the addition of pillboxes and gun posts, blending modern warfare into ancient stone.

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Practical Info

• Location: Pevensey, East Sussex
• Access: Managed by English Heritage, with paid entry into the inner castle; the Roman walls can be walked freely
• Best Time to Visit: Morning or evening for atmosphere; the mist over the Levels makes it especially striking
• Nearby:
  • Hastings Castle – William’s later Norman fortress on the cliff above Hastings
  • Herstmonceux Castle – A later medieval moated castle nearby
  • Battle Abbey – Site of the 1066 battle that followed William’s landing

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Conclusion

Pevensey Castle is not just one castle, but a timeline in stone — Roman, Norman, Tudor, and even wartime. Standing inside the walls, you are surrounded by nearly 1,700 years of continuous defence history. It remains one of the most remarkable historic sites in Sussex.