In Hasted's _History of Kent_, vol. iv. p. 172., folio edition, we have as
follows:
"Walmer, probably so called _quasi vallum maris_, i. e. the wall or
fortification made against the sea, was expressed to have been a member
of the port of Sandwich time out of mind," &c.
Again, p. 165., note _m_, we find:
"Before these three castles were built, there were, between Deal and
Walmer Castle, two eminences of earth, called 'The Great and Little
Bulwark;' and another, between the north end of Deal and Sandwich
Castle (all of which are now remaining): and there was probably one
about the middle of the town, and others on the spots where the castles
were erected. They had embrasures for guns, and together formed a
defensive line of batteries along that part of the coast," &c.
To the new building of these castles Leland alludes, in his _Cygnea
Cantio_:
"Jactat Dela novas celebris arces
Notus Cæsareis locus trophæis."--Ver. 565.
There are clear remains of a Roman entrenchment close to Walmer Castle.
(See _Hasted_, vol. iv. p. 162., notes.)
Any of your correspondents who could give me any information tending to
show that an old fortification had existed on the site of Walmer Castle,
previous to the erection of the present edifice--or even _almost_ upon the
same site--would do me a very great kindness if he would communicate it,
through the columns of "N. & Q.," or by a private letter sent to the
Editor.