Tonbridge Castle is an 11th century earthwork motte and bailey fortress, founded by Richard fitz Gilbert. In the 12th century, the de Clare family founded the stone castle and added a northern outer bailey, encased by a wooden palisade. The motte, which supports the foundations of a shell keep, is defended on its outer edge by a wet ditch. Standing on the north bank of the River Medway, are the remains of the inner bailey curtain wall but sadly the towers which flanked the angles are missing. Adjacent to the motte, stands Gilbert de Clare, magnificent 13th century five storey Edwardian keep-gatehouse. 5 miles north is Ightham Mote and 8 miles west is Hever Castle.