posted 12-26-98 01:30 PM
Colchester Castle in Essex has by far the largest great tower in Britain. It is 151.5 feet by 110 feet and 90 feet high, although it was higher until the two upper storeys were pulled down in 1683.The tower is actually one of the earliest in Britain at c.1075-80, is similer in design to the White Tower of the Tower of London and may well have been designed by the same man, Bishop Gundulf of Rochester.
The loss of the upper storeys has reduced the impact of Colchester.
Dover's Keep is later (c.1180-1189) and smaller (98ft by 96 ft) but is still at it's full height of 95ft and placed on a hilltop is much more impressive sight.