Pevensey Castle, East Sussex, nineteenth century

Watercolour by unknown artist.

Pevensey was the site of a Late Roman fort guarding the Saxon Shore. When the Normans invaded in 1066, the derelict site was reoccupied and fortified prior to the decisive Battle of Hastings which was fought nearby. The stone castle developed over the next two centuries, undergoing four sieges, but was abandoned in the Tudor period save for some cannon installed during Elizabeth I's reign to defend against possible invasion from Spain.

The ruined castle was reoccupied for coastal defence once again during World War Two. The site was fortified and garrisoned and some of the modifications, such as machine gun posts built into the medieval walls, remain in place today.

From an album of photographs, watercolours, press cuttings and prints compiled by Colonel Montague Hall. 1853-1878.