Dover Roman Pharos

The Roman Pharos is located on the grounds of Dover Castle. Built in the early 2nd century, it is one of only three surviving Roman lighthouses worldwide and is said to be Britain’s oldest standing building.

Dover, located at the closest point between Britain and the French mainland, served as a crucial maritime gateway. This unique position made it an irresistible choice for the Romans when they invaded Britain in AD 43 under Emperor Claudius. Recognising the significance of Dover, the Romans swiftly set up a fort and port at this site.

In their quest to safeguard and guide the vast number of their ships crossing the English Channel, the Romans constructed two lighthouses on either side of Dover harbour: one at the Eastern Heights and one at the Western Heights. These lighthouses played a crucial role in ensuring the safe passage of Roman ships.

In its original form, the Pharos stood approximately 80 feet (24 metres) tall. It was built using local flint, sandstone, and Roman bricks, which are distinctive for their thin, red appearance. The octagonal tower tapers slightly towards the top. Originally, the lighthouse would have housed a fire at its top, making it visible for miles out to sea and guiding ships safely into the harbour.

After the Romans withdrew from Britain in the early 5th century, the Pharos remained a prominent feature of the Dover landscape. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the Pharos was used as a bell tower for the adjacent St Mary de Castro church, built in the 10th century. This saved the Pharos from falling into complete disrepair.

In the medieval period, when Dover Castle expanded under the reign of Henry II, the Pharos was incorporated into the castle complex. This ensured its preservation, as the castle became one of the most essential fortifications in England.

Today, the Roman Pharos at Dover is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Britain. The Eastern Heights Tower is within the grounds of Dover Castle and is a Grade I-listed building. English Heritage owns the grounds.

The remains of the western tower are called the Bredenstone, or Devil’s Drop of Mortar. They are located in the Drop Redoubt on the Western Heights of Dover. The tower was covered in the 18th century but rediscovered in the 1860s.

From the Roman Pharos is a commanding view of the Dover harbour lighthouses.