• Upnor Castle
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Set in tranquil grounds in the riverside village of Upnor stands this rare example of an Elizabethan artillery fortress.  It was built on the orders of Queen Elizabeth I in 1559 to defend her warships moored in the river and Chatham Dockyard.  Despite a brave attempt, the fort proved ineffective in 1667 when the Dutch sailed up the river to attack the British fleet at anchor.  After Upnor Castle had served out its military usefulness, it retained its naval connection supplying gunpowder and weapons to the men of war riding on the river.  Situated on the bank of the River Medway, the castle features stunning views across the water.