The views from the castle were inspiring:
The castle itself had many interesting features. It originally the site of a Roman pharos (lighthouse), which is still standing.
Soldiers over the years have left their marks, too...
It was significantly fortified by William the Conqueror and later English kings. It has never falled, but was serioulsly threatened in the early 13th century (sometime around 1217) during a revolt/civil war against King John, who had earlier signed the Magna Carta. One of the outlying gates was taken and the castle was significantly strengthened after that battle.
The keep, pictured below, is originally from 1185, but has been renovated over the years.
Like most castles, the moat has been drained in modern times.
In modern times, anti-aircraft and defense guns were brought into the castle to defend it against a potential invasion during World War II.
I hadn't expected such modern armaments in an ancient castle. The guns and the views of France from the walls of the castle brought home how near a thing the Battle of Britain must have been.