Bell battery is one of two substantial gun batteries constructed in the 18th century within the middle bailey to cover the high ground located on the northern side of the castle (the other is four gun battery). It was originally constructed in 1756 replacing a length of Medieval curtain wall and had six gun emplacements. This was reduced to five in 1820 and the current layout of four with a bnrick side arms store were likely part of the 1850’s remodelling.

The 1786 engineer’s plan shows the six emplacements evenly spaced, the last two being on a return at the east end towards the Avranches Flank (and all firing over the roof of the Hospital below). There are now 2 + 2 on either side of the store, with guns on iron carriages in place. In 1786 parts of the Middle Bailey defences still survived, and the battery was constructed prior to the major reconstruction that involved the creation of Godwin Road and the nearby casemates. (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 English Heritage, 2014, Dover Castle Conservation Management Plan Volume 2 Gazetteer (Unpublished document).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.