In recent weeks I have been reminded exactly why Dover and Deal is one of the most historic and proud constituencies anywhere in the country.

My visits to Walmer Castle, the Wanstone Battery project and Dover Castle have reinforced just how rich our local heritage is and how important it is that we celebrate and preserve it for future generations.

Walmer Castle stands as one of the jewels of our coastline. Built by Henry VIII in the 1540s as part of a chain of coastal defences designed to protect England from invasion, it has played a central role in our national story for centuries.

From defending the realm against foreign threats to later becoming the official residence of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Walmer Castle represents both strength and service.

Walking through its grounds and seeing the history first hand fills me with immense pride.

It is not just a tourist attraction, it is part of the identity of Deal and the wider constituency.

My recent visit was to see the condition of the roof, which is sorely in need of repair.

Labour has recently announced as part of its Museum Estate and Development Fund that Walmer Castle will receive just over £3 million, which is a massive chunk towards the £5 million it needs to fix the roof.

Equally fascinating was my recent visit connected to the Wanstone Battery project.

The cliffs above Dover have long been critical to Britain’s defence and Wanstone Battery is another example of the incredible military history embedded in our landscape.

Originally developed during the Second World War, the battery formed part of Dover’s crucial defensive network protecting the Channel during one of the darkest periods in modern history.

Dover became known as the “Frontline of Britain” during the war and sites like Wanstone Battery remind us of the courage, resilience and sacrifice shown by those who defended our nation.

Seeing the restoration and preservation work taking place there is inspiring and it is fantastic to see local people working so hard to keep this history alive.

No visit to our historic sites would be complete without Dover Castle, perhaps the greatest symbol of Dover’s place in British history.

Often described as the “Key to England”, Dover Castle has overlooked the Channel for nearly 1,000 years.

From its origins after the Norman Conquest to its strategic role throughout both World Wars, the castle tells the story of Britain itself.

Standing atop the White Cliffs and looking out across the Channel, I am always reminded why Dover has been so important to our national story.

It is impossible not to feel proud of what our area has contributed to the country over centuries.

These visits have reminded me that Dover and Deal’s history is not something confined to textbooks or museums.

It is living history all around us, shaping our communities and our identity today.

That is why I am excited to soon launch a new online series called Tapp into History exploring and reimagining some of our constituency’s most historic places using generative AI technology.

Whilst I appreciate AI has some drawbacks, by bringing these sites to life digitally and showing how they may have looked centuries ago, I hope more people, especially younger generations, can connect with the extraordinary history right here on our doorstep and it urges them to come and see them themselves.

Dover and Deal has an incredible story to tell and I cannot wait to help share it.

You can check out Tapp into History through my socials and on my Youtube page