Says Tower, which is located between Peverells Tower and Cannons Gate, along the south western outer curtain wall of Dover Castle is one of a series of 13th-century towers dating from the reign of Henry III (1216-1272). It is one of three towers located along this stretch of the curtain wall, all of a similar date and in a similar style. (Gatton’s and Hurst towers are the other two). All of these have been altered or reduced in height to accommodate later (17th/18th-century) military requirements.

The plan of the base of the tower is rectangular, reduced to a D-shape at ground level by corner ‘spurs’. The tower has a long loop at the lower level (W) and two loops at or above ground (N & S), and a drain exit on the lower N wall. The full D-shape of the tower returns as a slight projection inside the curtain wall, and now extended by flank walls provided a revetment to the rampart; the rear wall is of brick, perhaps of c.1800, supporting a brick vault. The parapet has a post-medieval artillery modification, with two wide splays, presumably for some form of pivotgun. (summarised from sources) (1-2)

<1> English Heritage, 2014, Dover Castle Conservation Management Plan Volume 2 Gazetteer (Unpublished document). SKE52105.

<2> Johnathan Coad, 1995, English Heritage Book of Dover Castle and the Defences of Dover (Monograph). SKE52106.