Sutton Valence Castle

Sutton Valence Castle
Kent
The ruined keep of the castle
Sutton Valence Castle
Coordinates	51°12′45″N 0°35′52″E / 51.21238°N 0.59775°E / 51.21238; 0.59775Coordinates: 51°12′45″N 0°35′52″E / 51.21238°N 0.59775°E / 51.21238; 0.59775 grid reference TQ815491
Site information
Owner	English Heritage
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruined
Site history
Built	12th century
Materials	Ragstone and flint rubble

Sutton Valence Castle is a ruined medieval fortification in the village of Sutton Valence in Kent, England. It was built in the second half of the 12th century, probably by Baldwin of Bethune, the Count of Aumale. Overlooking a strategic route to the coast, the original castle probably comprised an inner and an outer bailey and a protective barbican, with a three-storey high keep on its southern side. It was passed into the Marshal and de Montfort families, before being given by King Henry III to his half-brother William de Valence in 1265, from whom the castle takes its current name. It was abandoned in the early 14th century and fell into ruin. In the 21st century the castle is managed by English Heritage, and the remains of the keep are open to the public.

Sutton Valence Castle was probably built in the second half of the 12th century by the Counts of Aumale, most likely by Baldwin of Bethune, but perhaps alternatively by William le Gros, Baldwin's father-in-law. The castle was built on a commanding position overlooking the strategic route between the towns of Maidstone, Rye and Old Winchelsea. and the location was originally known as Town Sutton. The stone keep of the castle was constructed around 1200.