ANCIENT EARTHWORKS
Ordnance Survey to remain fairly intact, and can be classed as a homestead moat (Class F).
Sheppey Castle. — From its simple form, it is necessary to include this in Class D, though it is of far later origin than the majority of works thus scheduled. The castle was constructed in the time of Edward III. It lies upon low land, only a few feet above sea-level, within a quarter of a mile east of a reach of the river Medway, the Medway itself and its marshes forming a natural defence on that side, while the land on the east and south was once more or less a morass.
Sheppey Castle, Queenborough.
The entrenchments are much destroyed, hence the original form of the stronghold is more a matter of guesswork than of certainty, but judging from the part remaining, the plan given may be considered as approximately correct ; there was a central mount, rather higher than at present, surrounded by a plateau, the two being defended by a rampart and wide moat filled with water. Now an engine-house occupies the mount, a large elementary school with its playground has possession of the west side, the railway goods yard cuts the east, and the north is in danger from a building estate !
