Walmer, Kent

Walmer is a coastal town in Kent, England, known for its historic Walmer Castle. Built in 1540 by Henry VIII, the castle served as the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. Notable occupants have included the Duke of Wellington, who lived there for 23 years and died in the castle, as well as figures like Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Winston Churchill. The castle, now managed by English Heritage, features formal gardens originally created by Lady Hester Stanhope.

The town’s coastline is linked to Julius Caesar’s reputed landings in 55 and 54 BC, marked by a concrete memorial near the lifeboat station. While recent archaeological findings suggest the actual landing was further north at Pegwell Bay, the monument remains a point of historical interest in Walmer.

Walmer also played a role in aviation history with Walmer Aerodrome, established in 1917 during the First World War. It provided air defence and housed fighter aircraft including Sopwith Camels. The site was later used for radar tracking in the Second World War before returning to agricultural use, with memorials commemorating its significance.

The town once had a notable brewery, Thompson & Sons, operating from 1816 until its closure in 1972. The brewery complex included maltings, a brewhouse, and workers’ cottages, reflecting Walmer’s industrial past. The Thompson’s Bell public house commemorates the brewery’s former bell tower, linking the present to the town’s brewing heritage.