Kent & Sussex Security Ltd.

Case Study: Kent & Sussex Security Reinforces Castle Defences

What do you do when 10 foot thick stone walls and a moat aren't quite enough to defend your property against intruders? You send for Kent & Sussex Security, that's what! And you ask the Ashford-based company to install a series of CCTV, access control and door alarm systems.

This is precisely what English Heritage did when it wanted to improve security at Walmer Castle, Kent. This is a Tudor castle that, over the centuries, has become the official residence of the Lords Warden of the Cinque Ports - including the Duke of Wellington (he died at the castle in 1852) and the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

The cameras had to be installed in such a way that they didn't detract from the appearance of the castle or damage its fabric - not that it was practical to drill through 10 foot thick walls anyway!

This was achieved in part by painting two of the cameras to match the ancient stonework and generally positioning them as unobtrusively as posible. And in part by installing two cameras that are so very compact (around 4" square) that only the keenest eyes would spot them from a distance.

The access control system was installed for use when visitors came to the castle during the hours that it was closed to the public. Previously they would simply have rung the bell and the staff would have had to open the door either to admit them or to ascertain their identity. This latter was clearly unsatisfactory at so sensitive a location. A CCTV arrangement now allows visitors to be identified prior to the door being opened.

Although most of the castle is accessible to the public, there are areas that are off limits. Should anyone attempt to force entry to these areas, the new door alarm system notifies the staff immediately.