Tonbridge Castle, Kent.

Tonbridge Castle dates back almost 900 years. The final construction had a noble gatehouse and was encircled by massive curtain walls connecting great towers at each corner, while a high shell keep crowned the motte. In places the castle walls were almost three metres thick, with sandstone facings from nearby quarries.
Unfortunately, in the 1700's a series of owners gradually dismantled the defences, selling off much of the stone to build locks on the river Medway, resulting in today's "ruined" appearance.

So nothing new in selling off the family silver then?
I can't imagine today's politicians doing that!!!