English Heritage

Begun in about AD 290, Pevensey was the biggest of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ fortresses. Its hugely impressive walls, more than 500 metres (1,640 feet) long, still stand almost to their full height. Here, in 1066, William the Conqueror landed to begin his invasion of England, building a fortress within the Roman defences. After centuries of abandonment, the ancient stronghold was pressed back into service in 1940, with machine gun posts cleverly camouflaged into its walls.

In our displays, you’ll discover stories of massacre, sieges and royal prisoners, find out how Second World War soldiers interacted with local people, and see a recreated 1940 commander’s office.

Kids can try and crack the Pevensey Castle Code, look into a dungeon and explore a medieval basement room.