Pevensey Castle

here for the English Heritage Pevensey Castle Web Site.

Pevensey Castle Pevensey Castle was built by the Romans between 250 and 300AD to defend the coast against the Franks and Alemanni who were attacking the Roman Empire in northern europe. It was built on a small Island, and was known as Anderida. During the times of Alfred the Great the fortifications were known as Andredceaster. When the Roman Legions withdrew from Britain in 408AD, the castle was occupied by the Anglo-Saxons, until it was seized in 491AD by Aella the Saxon. see also Ashburnham In 1042 and 1049, the castle was raided by Earl Godwine, soon to become Harold II, and during the Spring and Summer of 1066 the castle was occupied by Harold's army, who were expecting the forces of William the Conqueror . Many scholars believe that the Normans landed at Pevensey in October 1066 , but from research we have carried out it seems less likely and more likely that they landed near Hooe . However Pevensey was occupied by the Normans in late 1066 . The castle was besieged, probably from the Westham side, as a narrow spit of land joined the castle to the mainland, by William Rufus1087 - 1100 and King Stephen1135 - 1141. Simon De Montfort1264 on his way to Lewes failed to take the castle, and in 1399 it was again attacked this time by the Yorkists. The Castle is now run by English Heritage , and provides a good day out with good views across the Pevensey Marshes and the South Downs at Eastbourne .

Open all year

March to October
Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm
October to March
Wednesday to Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm