Page:VCH Kent 1.djvu/524

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A HISTORY OF KENT but the extreme east was fortified with a rampart and outside ditch of some strength. Several enclosures are formed: (i) A Shell Keep of masonry, nearly square, defended by a moat. (2) A large Court Yard on the east, apparently defended by a stone wall with corner towers and outside ditch ; probably once containing water. (3) A Court on the north-west defended by water only. (4) Two small spaces on the south-west, one an island, the other a platform surrounded by a ditch, neither raised artificially above the natural level. The water is supplied by springs, and perhaps at times the, sea washed round the moats. Cooling Castle (showing moats). Eynesford Castle. — The ruins of this once important Norman castle will be the subject of remarks in another section of this History. It is sufficient here to note that its sole earthwork defence — the moat — may still be traced, its wide expanse utilized as an orchard and meadow. The artificial cut by which it was flooded from the Darenth remains. Hever Castle. — As this beautiful example of an English castel- lated mansion will be fully described in another section of this History, we have but to note here that double moats added to the defences. These, though in parts maintained afterwards, probably appertained to the earlier castle, which occupied the site of the present building. A castle was rebuilt here in the time of Edward III, and a stronghold may have existed from Saxon days. 430