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Dane John Mound

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

A high mound that was the site of one of the first Norman motte and bailey castles erected by William the Conqueror. Archaeological excavation has revealed that the mound was a Roman burial site on the line of the old Roman city walls.

The Normans merely adapted the existing mound as a good spot to erect a fortification. That early motte and bailey castle was later superceded by the stone fortress of Canterbury Castle a short distance away.

Around 1790 Alderman James Simmons laid out a formal garden around the foot of the castle mound. He also laid out a winding path to the top of the mound, where there now stands a white stone obelisk in his honour.

The name Dane John is generally assumed to be an English corruption of 'donjon', a term for a defensive structure, or Norman keep. Another explanation is that the name was invented by a 17th century antiquarian who theorized that the mound was erected by Danes.

Visitors can walk along the old city walls from the castle mound. Several of the surviving towers, such as nearby Whitecross Tower, have interpretation panels giving insights into the history of the tower and the town defenses.
Canterbury, Kent, England

About Dane John Mound
Attraction Type: Castle
Location: Open at any time. The most enjoyable way to reach the castle mound is to take a walk along the town walls.
Location map
Dane John Mound Photos
OS TR147574
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information Photos

Nearest Attractions Dane John Gardens - 0 miles (Garden) Canterbury City Walls - 0.1 miles (Historic Property) Canterbury Castle - 0.1 miles (Castle) Canterbury, St Mildred Church - 0.1 miles (Church) Canterbury Tales - 0.2 miles (Museum) Museum of Canterbury with Rupert Bear Museum - 0.2 miles (Museum) Canterbury Royal Museum & Art Gallery - 0.2 miles (Museum) Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Garden - 0.2 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Canterbury - 0.7 miles away Fordwich - 2.5 miles away Chilham - 5.4 miles away Whitstable - 6.3 miles away Godmersham - 6.9 miles away Wye - 8.9 miles away Barfreston - 10.4 miles away Lyminge - 11 miles away

Photos of Dane John Mound

Simmons memorial

Castle mound

Whitecross Tower

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Nearest Accommodation to Dane John Mound

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

13 Green Court - 2.9 miles from Dane John Mound Bridge, Kent Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £280

Heron Manor - 5.4 miles from Dane John Mound Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £420

Mistletoe - 5.4 miles from Dane John Mound Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £278

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Nearest Hotels

Abode Canterbury - 0.3 miles from Dane John Mound Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £89.00

Sun Hotel - 0.3 miles from Dane John Mound Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £165.00

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge - 0.3 miles from Dane John Mound Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £55.00

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Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Coach House - 0.3 miles from Dane John Mound Canterbury, Kent From: £42.50

Amanda House - 0.3 miles from Dane John Mound Canterbury, Kent From: £35.00

Anns house - 0.4 miles from Dane John Mound Canterbury, Kent From: £80.00

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Canterbury
Tourist Information Centre
12-13 Sun Street
The Buttermarket
Canterbury
Kent
England
CT1 2HX
Tel: 01227 378100
Fax: 01227 378101
Email: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
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