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; 0.59775 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. 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 built in the second half of the 12th century, probably by Baldwin of Bethune, the Count of Aumale. It then passed to the families of Marshal and de Montfort, 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. Today, the castle is managed by English Heritage, and the remains of the keep are open to the public.