Archcliffe Gate Galleries

The Archcliffe Gate at the top of South Military Road, Dover, was the main entrance to the Western Heights. Unfortunately it was demolished in the 1960's and the adjacent ditch filled in. To the west of the gate is a section of wall that has three round holes through the thickness of the wall. Perhaps to let light in or for ventilation. These pictures were taken in Oct. 1976 when access merely required a length of rope. There is now no way in as the holes have been bricked up and sealed off. Next to the galleries, near the guardroom, are some rooms which were later used for cells.
For a plan of the Western Heights see Maps.

 

Plan of Archcliffe Gate and Galleries courtesy of Jeff Howe. Full size plan here.

 

Access holes in wall behind trees (bricked up) Jan. 2001.

 

The same view taken Oct. 1976.

 

Close up of hole used for access, note rope as exterior ground level

is much higher than interior floor level.

 

View looking out through wall, note thickness of brickwork.

 

View inside looking towards access hole, which is now more or less

at outer ground level. Now you can see why we needed the rope.

 

View looking inside beautifully barrel vaulted room.

 

A view inside another one of the vaulted room.

 

Corridor behind main rooms, note door still in very good condition.

 

Inside one of the longer corridors.

 

A rather narrower corridor, this is a ventilation space running around the magazine room.

For more information on the Archcliffe Gate see Jeff Howe's Western Heights Today.