Friends and Members

The Castle tower was built in 1790 by Charles Pearson and the building was gradually extended, notably by Wynn Ellis in the 1840s. It was by then a country residence and home of the Lord of the Manor. Purchased in 1935 from Albert Mallandain, Whitstable Urban District used it until Local Government reorganisation in 1975.

At Whitstable Castle, there has been a real focus on family celebrations, education, music, drama, art and culture for many years which has been achieved with the support of the Castle Centre Association and the strong community which Whitstable has.

In 2005, a bid was launched with a view to reviving the Castle and secure its future for many generations to come. A National Heritage Lottery Bid for funding was started, with the aim of restoring the building, improving access and landscaping the castle grounds. A Trust was created to oversee the whole site, and in late 2008, after a successful bid, the Castle closed its doors for a major restoration and redevelopment programme to begin, not only to the main building but to the grounds and surrounding road system.