Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

15th September 2014



This is considered to be one of the greatest historical sites in England. 
1120s - first castle - great tower and keep - was established by the Royal Chamberlain, Geoffrey de Clinton
1210-1215 - King John added to the castle including Mortimer's Tower
1266 - castle withstood a full scale siege  
1300s - John of Gaunt, son of Edward III added the great hall
1400s - favoured residence of Lancastrian kings due to its excellent hunting 
1563 - Elizabeth I granted the castle to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who converted Kenilworth into a great house for her entertainment
1571 - Leicester building and private apartments constructed for Elizabeth I
1650 - after the Civil War the castle's fortifications were dismantled 

We loved this castle. There is lots to see and the castle is well preserved. There is an exhibition in the stable block – which was interesting. The newly installed viewing platforms in the Leicester building are awesome, they allow you to appreciate the inside of the castle at various levels and climb right to the top for spectacular views. The gardens were also pretty and had a fountain and small aviary. 

Owned by English Heritage
Designated car park
Shop, tea-room, toilets
Guide books and audio tours (recommended) are available
Dogs are allowed on site


N & K

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