Warwick Castle – England’s finest medieval castle

Invaded, embattled, and besieged through centuries of warfare, Warwick Castle (pronounced “Worrick”) survived the ravages of history to become one of Britain’s major attractions and top 10 favorite castles.

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It was King Alfred the Great’s daughter, Æthelflæd, who established the site of Warwick Castle in 914.

Built to defend the Kingdom of Mercia against invading Danes, the fortified settlement dominated the old Roman road called the Fosse Way, running southwest to northeast across the Midlands.

Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, King William I strengthened the fortification with a motte-and-bailey castle to maintain control of the Midlands while he marched northward.

Son of a powerful Norman family, Henry de Beaumont was appointed constable in 1088, to keep and maintain Warwick Castle for the king’s armaments.

Warwick Castle. Credit Baz Richardson
Warwick Castle. Credit Baz Richardson

Becoming the first Earl of Warwick two years later, Warwick Castle was passed through six generations of de Beaumonts, during which time it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century.

As the first heiress of Warwick Castle, Margaret de Newberg, 7th Countess of Warwick took over the estate in 1242.

Margaret’s nephew, William Maudit, succeeded as the 8th Earl of Warwick.

Destroying the castle walls during a surprise attack in 1264 during the Second Barons’ War, Maudit’s wife, the Countess, was taken prisoner and only released on payment of a significant ransom.

Just wondering, sire, would you be so kind as to release me if I mend your curtains?
Fair maiden wax figure in Tussaud's exhibition at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Fair maiden wax figure in Tussaud’s exhibition at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

Future owners would include seven successions of the de Beauchamp family, a Neville by marriage, two Plantagenets, three Dudleys, and no less than 15 Grevilles, the last of which sold Warwick Castle to the Tussauds Group, famous for Madame Tussaud’s wax museum in London.

Eleven of the owners were under 20 when they inherited, including a girl aged two and a boy aged three.

At least three owners died in battle, two were executed and one murdered.

Warwick Castle became Crown Property twice—once under Henry VII and Henry VIII from 1499-1547, and again under Mary I and Elizabeth I from 1554-1562.

Elizabeth I granted the castle to Ambrose Dudley, an elder brother of her court favorite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, whose effigy lies in nearby Collegiate Church of St Mary’s in Warwick.

Tomb of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and his wife, Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester. Credit Tony Grist

But it was not until the 1740s under Francis Greville that a long 50-year period of major works changed Warwick Castle into what we know and love today.

Francis Greville, Baron Brooke, later 1st Earl of Warwick by Jean-Marc Nattier - 1741
Francis Greville, Baron Brooke, later 1st Earl of Warwick by Jean-Marc Nattier – 1741

Greville commissioned the famous Italian painter Canaletto to paint five views of Warwick Castle during the 1740s and 1750s.

The east front of Warwick Castle from the outer court, painted by Canaletto in 1752
The east front of Warwick Castle from the outer court, painted by Canaletto in 1752
Warwick Castle, the South Front by Canaletto, 1748
Warwick Castle, the South Front by Canaletto, 1748

“England’s greatest gardener” Capability Brown was also hired by Greville to landscape the beautiful grounds.

Remembered as “the last of the great English 18th century artists to be accorded his due”, Capability Brown designed over 170 parks, earning him the nickname “Capability” because he always saw room for improvement.

Covering over 690 acres, Greville spent the equivalent of £280,000 ($360,000) on the gardens alone.

Warwick Castle Gardens. Credit shakestd
Warwick Castle Gardens. Credit shakestd

Another famous owner was Francis Greville, 5th Earl of Warwick, but more so for his wife than anything he did.

Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick was a campaigning socialite by day, who supported many schemes to aid the less well off in education, housing, employment and pay.

By night, she was a mistress of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII.

Her youngest two children were reputedly fathered by a millionaire lover.

So popular was she with the public, that the music hall song “Daisy Bell” was named after her.

Daisy, Daisy
Give me your answer, do.
I’m half crazy
all for the love of you
Daisy Greville, Countess of Warwick, 1899

Retiring to Rome and Switzerland, the last owner, David Robin Francis Guy Greville, 8th Earl of Warwick, sold Warwick Castle to The Tussauds Group for £1.3 million in 1978.

Now part of Merlin Entertainments, the world’s second largest leisure group after Disney, Warwick Castle has received many accolades, including being recognized as Britain’s best castle by the Good Britain Guide 2003.

Join us as we enter Warwick Castle, the finest medieval castle in England.

Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds
The Barbican of Warwick Castle. Credit One lucky guy, flickr
The Barbican of Warwick Castle. Credit One lucky guy, flickr

Please tip the gatekeeper—wonderful fellow once you get to know him, but please try not to upset him.

Don't mess with this guy. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Don’t mess with this guy. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Steve Edwards, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Steve Edwards, flickr
Warwick Castle, Guy's Tower. Credit Elliott Brown
Warwick Castle, Guy’s Tower. Credit Elliott Brown
Guy's Tower. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Guy’s Tower. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
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Warwick Castle. Credit James Petts
Warwick Castle. Credit James Petts

Inside Warwick Castle

Who needs Netflix when you have live entertainment at home?

The Music Room. Credit Paul Renolds, flickr
The Music Room. Credit Paul Renolds, flickr
The Carnation Bedroom. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
The Carnation Bedroom. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

Lady Warwick (Daisy Greville) was a favourite of Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and entertained him and his entourage lavishly.

She and her husband were members of the Marlborough House Set, headed by the Prince of Wales (the future Edward VII).

When one was a favourite of the future king, their friends would “prove their worth” through favours.

Cecil Rhodes, a good friend of Lady Warwick, made sure that her investments in South Africa were successful.

Albert Edward, Prince of Wales visits Warwick Castle!
Albert Edward, Prince of Wales visits Warwick Castle!
Warwick Castle Parlor. Credit David Pettit, flickr
Warwick Castle Parlor. Credit David Pettit, flickr
Daisy's Bedroom. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Daisy’s Bedroom. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

You look beautiful ma’am, do excuse me while I change the baby for a cleaner one.

Warwick Castle bedroom. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle bedroom. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle Blue Boudoir. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle Blue Boudoir. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Do excuse the maid—she's new.
Do excuse the maid—she’s new.

Third Class Accommodations

If you misbehaved at dinner, you may find yourself in third class accommodations deep in the bowels of Warwick Castle, i.e. the dungeons.

The Dungeons of Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
The Dungeons of Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

In the Middle Ages, a variety of devices were used on unwelcome guests to exploit their sensitivities to pain and glean confesssions and other useless bits of information.

Various implements of medieval torture. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Various implements of medieval torture. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

And if they were really lucky, they could spend the night in the gibbet.

Warwick Castle dungeons with gibbet. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle dungeons with gibbet. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

The Glorious Grounds

Warwick Castle grounds. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle grounds. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
The Mound, Warwick Castle. Dating from 1068, this is the oldest part of the castle, which is a Grade I listed building in England. Credit DeFacto
The Mound, Warwick Castle. Dating from 1068, this is the oldest part of the castle, which is a Grade I listed building in England. Credit DeFacto
Warwick Castle Gardens and Orangery. Credit Paul Reynold, flickr
Warwick Castle Gardens and Orangery. Credit Paul Reynold, flickr
A peacock strutting his stuff at Warwick Castle. Credit pjs2005, flickr
A peacock strutting his stuff at Warwick Castle. Credit pjs2005, flickr
Don’t mind us, we just live here
Peacocks at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Peacocks at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Eagle at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Eagle at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

Who said Chivalry was dead?

Jousting Knights at Warwick Castle. Credit Dark Dwarf, flickr
Jousting Knights at Warwick Castle. Credit Dark Dwarf, flickr
Jousting knights
Jousting knights

The collection of armoury on display at Warwick Castle is regarded as second only to that of the Tower of London.

Knight at Warwick Castle. Credit Jitka Erbenová
Knight at Warwick Castle. Credit Jitka Erbenová
Armor on display at Warwick Castle. Credit Peter K Burian
Armor on display at Warwick Castle. Credit Peter K Burian

Qu’est-ce que c’est, un trebuchet?

Warwick Castle is home to one of the world’s most powerful siege engine.

The Trebuchet at Warwick Castle. Credit Dave White, flickr
The Trebuchet at Warwick Castle. Credit Dave White, flickr

At 59 ft tall, the trebuchet is made from over 300 pieces of oak and weighs 24 tons.

Taking eight men half an hour to load and release, the trebuchet can hurl projectiles of up to 330 lb distances of almost 1000 ft and as high as 82 ft at a speed of over 120 mph.

Trebucket at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds
Trebucket at Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds

Water Mill and Mill Garden

A water-powered mill in the castle grounds was probably built under Henry de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Warwick.

Warwick Castle water mill . Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle water mill . Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

Adjacent to the mill is The Mill Garden which is privately owned but open to the public. Interesting views of the castle can be seen from this garden.

Warwick Castle from The Mill Garden. Credit Jessica Spengler
Warwick Castle from The Mill Garden. Credit Jessica Spengler

The Old Castle Bridge

Remains of the Old Castle Bridge, Warwick
Remains of the Old Castle Bridge, Warwick
Remains of the Old Castle Bridge, Warwick.. Credit DeFacto
Remains of the Old Castle Bridge, Warwick. Credit DeFacto

A day well spent!

As the light starts to dim over Warwick Castle, you will be reminded that time flies when you’re having fun.

A day to remember for a lifetime.

Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr
Warwick Castle. Credit Paul Reynolds, flickr

The Story of the Medieval Town of Arundel

Towns and cities were often sited on rivers. Besides providing fresh water for drinking and irrigation, rivers provided a convenient means of transport and created natural boundaries and defenses.

Britain has many examples of beautiful towns and cities built around rivers. Some even have their own medieval castles.

In the 2nd century AD, the great Hellenistic writer Ptolemy described a river that ran through the steep vale of the South Downs of Provincia Britannia (Roman Britain) as Trisantonis, from an ancient Celtic language meaning “the trespasser”.

He was alluding to the river’s propensity to flood its lower reaches close to the sea. But in its upper reaches, it flowed quickly, and smoothly, and locals called it Arno meaning “run”.

And so it is believed that the town of Arundel means “dell of the flowing river”.

Arundel Castle and Town in 1644
Arundel Castle and Town in 1644

Arundel is home to the Dukedom of Norfolk—the premier Dukedom in the peerage of England. As such, the Duke is also the Earl of Arundel, the premier Earl. As if that wasn’t enough greatness for a single peer, he is also the hereditary Marshal of England—the Earl Marshal, a chivalric title under the sovereign of the United Kingdom.

Arundel Castle. Credit MrsEllacott
Arundel Castle. Credit MrsEllacott

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle is the Duke of Norfolk’s home. Although the title refers to the county of Norfolk, Arundel is in West Sussex.

Arundel Castle aerial view. Credit Miles Sabin
Arundel Castle aerial view. Credit Miles Sabin

As the first Norman King of England, following the successful invasion of 1066, William the Conqueror set about dividing up the country among his Norman magnates.

Roger de Montgomery, a cousin and top lieutenant of King William, was declared first Earl of Arundel and established Arundel Castle, high on a hill, on Christmas Day of 1067.

And so began nearly 1000 years of history, with Arundel Castle handed down through successive generations of noble families, and sometimes reverting back to the crown.

The current owners are the Fitzalan-Howard family, 18th generation of the Dukedom of Norfolk—and they actually live at the castle.

The courtyard of Arundel Castle, West Sussex, England. Credit Mark Tollerman
The courtyard of Arundel Castle, West Sussex, England. Credit Mark Tollerman
Arundel Castle on a sunny October day. Credit Gregg M. Erickson
Arundel Castle on a sunny October day. Credit Gregg M. Erickson
Arundel Castle. Credit Ilya Schurov
Arundel Castle. Credit Ilya Schurov
Baron's Hall, Arundel Castle. Credit Loz Pycock
Baron’s Hall, Arundel Castle. Credit Loz Pycock

Fitzalan Chapel

14th-century St Nicholas Church sits on the western grounds of Arundel Castle and is one of only a few churches that is divided into areas of Catholic and Anglican worship.

St Nicholas Church, Arundel. Credit JohnArmagh
St Nicholas Church, Arundel. Credit JohnArmagh

Its Catholic chapel is a private mausoleum of the Dukes of Norfolk and their families.

Fitzalan Chapel and White Garden. Credit The Land
Fitzalan Chapel and White Garden. Credit The Land
Ftizalan Chapel. Credit Jim, flickr
Ftizalan Chapel. Credit Jim, flickr

For nobles of high birth, it was common practice to place a recumbent effigy on top of their tomb.

A husband and wife were often depicted together, side by side in a state of eternal repose, awaiting resurrection.

Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel Castle. Credit The Land
Effigies in Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel Castle. Credit The Land

There was also a period when cadaver tombs displayed the life-sized effigy of the person, as they were just before death, above a rotting cadaver in the macabre state of decomposition.

Tomb and effigy of John FitzAlan, 14th Earl of Arundel (died 1435), in the Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel. Credit Lampman
Tomb and effigy of John FitzAlan, 14th Earl of Arundel (died 1435), in the Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel. Credit Lampman

Arundel Cathedral

Suppressed from worship in 1664, the Roman Catholic Dukes of Norfolk could no longer attend a religious service in a Catholic church or cathedral until the Catholic Emancipation Act of 1829.

In 1868, the Duke of Norfolk commissioned a new Roman Catholic sanctuary in celebration of the 1850 restoration of Catholic hierarchy in England.

Complementing Arundel Castle’s medieval architecture, he chose the French Gothic style, which was popular between 1300 and 1400 at a time when the Dukes of Norfolk rose to prominence in England.

Arundel Cathedral is regarded as one of the finest examples of French Gothic Revival architecture in the country.

Arundel Cathedral seen from Arundel Castle gardens. Credit The Land
Arundel Cathedral seen from Arundel Castle gardens. Credit The Land
The nave of Arundel Cathedral looking west, in West Sussex, England. Credit David Iliff
The nave of Arundel Cathedral looking west, in West Sussex, England. Credit David Iliff
Arundel Cathedral Sanctuary. Credit David Iliff
Arundel Cathedral Sanctuary. Credit David Iliff

Arundel Town and Environs

Arundel’s pretty High Street rises up the hill towards the castle, it’s side walks lined with traditional shops and restaurants. There’s an old-fashioned butcher, a greengrocer, a second-hand bookstore, and even a shop specializing in walking sticks.

High Street, Arundel. Credit John Turner
High Street, Arundel. Credit John Turner
Top left clockwise: The Moathouse Cafe (credit grassrootsgrounds); The Tea and Biscuit Club; Shopping Arcade, Tarrant Street (credit Roger Kidd); Kim's Bookshop (credit Basher Eyre)
Top left clockwise: The Moathouse Cafe (credit grassrootsgrounds); The Tea and Biscuit Club; Shopping Arcade, Tarrant Street (credit Roger Kidd); Kim’s Bookshop (credit Basher Eyre)

There’s nothing quite like enjoying your favorite beverage in a pub with centuries of history. Arundel has more than its fair share.

The Duke of Norfolk built the Norfolk Arms in 1785. Fashionable visitors from Brighton stayed there and by the early 1800s, it was the chief coaching inn of the town. The room over the entrance archway could accommodate 150 people for dinner.

The Swan Hotel is recorded as far back as 1759 and was a favorite for carriers. Both it and the Red Lion—possibly built as early as 1658—catered to the new pastime of cycling in the late 19th century. St. Mary’s Gate Inn dates from the early 1800s and had its own bowling green at that time.

From top left clockwise. Norfolk Arms, The Swan Hotel, St Mary's Gate Inn, The Red Lion
From top left clockwise. Norfolk Arms, The Swan Hotel, St Mary’s Gate Inn, The Red Lion

Passing through Arundel is a long-distance footpath that approximates the route taken by King Charles II when he was on the run after being defeated at the Battle of Worcester by Oliver Cromwell’s “New Model Army”.

Top right clockwise. Monarch's Way. (Credit Peter Holmes); Mill Road lined with lime trees on both sides (Credit Nigel Cox); Houses at Crossbush (Credit Chris Shaw); Row boats out on Swanbourne Lake (Credit Shaun Ferguson).jpg
Top right clockwise: Monarch’s Way. (Credit Peter Holmes); Mill Road lined with lime trees on both sides (Credit Nigel Cox); Houses at Crossbush (Credit Chris Shaw); Row boats out on Swanbourne Lake (Credit Shaun Ferguson).jpg

Arundel in Art

Arundel, Early Morning by Alfred East
Arundel, Early Morning by Alfred East
Arundel, West Sussex, at Sunset by George Vicat Cole - 1872
Arundel, West Sussex, at Sunset by George Vicat Cole – 1872
Arundel Castle, with Rainbow by Joseph Mallord William Turner - 1824
Arundel Castle, with Rainbow by Joseph Mallord William Turner – 1824
Arundel Mill and Castle by John Constable
Arundel Mill and Castle by John Constable

For further information, see the history of Arundel Castle.

The Shambles—York’s Famous Medieval Street

We can learn a lot about the history of a place just from its name.

“Shambles” is an archaic term for an open-air slaughterhouse and meat market.

Aptly named The Shambles, this beautiful medieval cobbled street in York was once lined with butcher’s shops and stalls, or benches, for displaying meat known as “Shamels” in Anglo-Saxon.

The Shambles, Heritage Plaque, York. Credit Peter Hughes
The Shambles, Heritage Plaque, York. Credit Peter Hughes

As you walk down the ancient street and look up, the overhanging timber-framed buildings—some dating from the 14th century—appear to almost touch in places.

Jettying was a building technique used in medieval times in which the upper floors projected beyond the lower floors, thus increasing available space without obstructing the street.

It had the added benefit of not raising property taxes, which were based on the ground floor area.

The Shambles, York. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
The Shambles, York. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
The Shambles' overhanging buildings. Credit Nilfanion
The Shambles’ overhanging buildings. Credit Nilfanion
The Shambles, York. Credit Neil Howard, flickr
The Shambles, York. Credit Neil Howard, flickr

In 1872, there were twenty-five butchers’ shops lining the street, but now there are none.

The Shambles, York. Credit Chris Combe
The Shambles, York. Credit Chris Combe
Shambles in Snow. Credit Matt Cornock
Shambles in Snow. Credit Matt Cornock

Today, the Shambles is a wonderful place to stroll, to shop, and to eat.

Quaint little shops, cafes, tea rooms, and restaurants line the street—winner of Google’s Most Picturesque Street in Britain for 2010.

No. 1 Shambles. Credit Tim Green
No. 1 Shambles. Credit Tim Green
Shop window in The Shambles, York. Credit Jhsteel
Shop window in The Shambles, York. Credit Jhsteel
Shopping in the Shambes. Credit Poliphilo
Shopping in the Shambes. Credit Poliphilo
The Shambles. Credit Jhsteel, Richard Croft
The Shambles. Credit Jhsteel, Richard Croft
The Shambles Tea Rooms, The Shambles, York. Credit Poliphilo
The Shambles Tea Rooms, The Shambles, York. Credit Poliphilo

And with street signs like this, you won’t have to worry about losing your way.

Signpost at the bottom of The Shambles. Credit Peter Whelerton
Signpost at the bottom of The Shambles. Credit Peter Whelerton

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Several “snickelways” lead off the Shambles. In his book A Walk Around the Snickelways of York, author Mark W. Jones coined the word Snickelway from the words snicket (a passageway between walls or fences), ginnel (a narrow passageway between or through buildings), and alleyway (a narrow street or lane).

Take a little snickelway off the shambles called “Little Shambles” (they thought of everything), and you walk into Shambles Market, a historic and vibrant open-air market complete with fresh produce, unique crafts and essential merchandise. Sample the street food and enjoy courtesy seating and even Wi-Fi!

Little Shambles, York. Credit Baz Richardson, flickr
Little Shambles, York. Credit Baz Richardson, flickr
The Shambles Market, York
The Shambles Market, York

The Shambles Street View. Take a virtual walk back in time to medieval York.