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Dover Castle closes due to Met Office warning of strong winds

Thrashing winds have forced a castle to close for the day.

Tom Hackett, front of house manager at Dover Castle, confirmed to KentOnline that gates to the Saxon attraction were not opened this morning because of safety concerns.

Yesterday we published how a planned siege reconstruction there, and many other events across the county, were cancelled because of the forecasted strong winds.

Dover Castle
Dover Castle

Instead English Heritage staff are turning people away from general entry.

Mr Hackett said: "We take wind speed readings throughout the day and if they drop we will open the castle."

A previous Dover castle Siege Picture: Nigel Wallace-Iles
A previous Dover castle Siege Picture: Nigel Wallace-Iles

But in the meantime they won't risk having people being blown about because some of the areas in the site are quite high up.

Battle lines and swords were due to be drawn today and tomorrow, with participants able to witness the drama of gruesome warfare in the intended siege reconstruction.

The siege was part of English Heritage's summer events at Dover Castle. Picture Nigel Wallace-Iles
The siege was part of English Heritage's summer events at Dover Castle. Picture Nigel Wallace-Iles

But yesterday English Heritage has issued a statement saying the event could not go ahead safely.

More weather news: Click here to see how trains are affected

Anyone who has pre-booked tickets will be automatically refunded within 10 days.

Further events are planned at the castle this summer including jousting on Bank Holiday weekend.

Read more: All the latest news from Dover

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