House & Family History: Walmer was built during the reign of Henry VIII as a defense against the threat of a Catholic attack from across the English Channel. The Castle evolved over time into virtually a country house and became the official residence of the lord warden of the Cinque Ports in 1708. The "Iron" Duke of Wellington lived at Walmer off-and-on for 23 years in his position as lord warden; the room where he died on September 14, 1852 is kept exactly as it was upon his death. The founder of the famous chain of W.H. Smith shops, The Rt. Hon. W.H. Smith, was appointed lord warden in 1891 and was instrumental in saving many of the furnishings, including those belonging to Wellington and Pitt. In recent years, lords warden of the Cinque Ports have been provided with private apartments above the Gatehouse, and, although these were never used by Sir Winston Churchill during his tenure, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was a frequent visitor to these apartments during her long tenure as lord warden of the Cinque Ports.

Country Life: XLVI, 552, 584, 1919.

House Listed: Scheduled Ancient Monument

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: English Heritage

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01304-264-288

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No