Warwick Castle, Warwickshire


14th September 2014


1068 - William the Conqueror ordered a timber motte and bailey castle to be built
The first Earl of Warwick was Hnery de Newburgh
1220 - a stone castle replaced the original wooden castle
1268 - castle passed to the de Beauchamp family
1440 - Anne de Beauchamp married Richard Neville aka "The Kingmaker" (an influential person in the Wars of the Roses)
1471 - Edward IV is imprisoned in the castle
1471 - Upon Richard Neville's death the castle passed to George, Duke of Clarence (brother of Edward IV) until his death in 1478
1499 - 1547 - castle in property of the crown
1547 - castle and title of Earl of Warwick was granted to John Dudley by Edward VI
1553 - Edward VI dies, Dudley attempts to put his daughter in law, Lady Jane Grey, on the throne. His attempt fails and he is executed returning the castle to crown property
1604 - James I presents the castle to the Greville family (where it remains today)
The castle has received many royal visitors including Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Victoria and HM Queen Elizabeth II.


We loved this castle –an epic day out!! There is so much to do and see here – you definitely need a whole day. This castle is great for all the family as there’s something for everyone. We would recommend doing the castle dungeon tour as that was fantastic. The Merlin experience we think little children would enjoy more. The Kingmaker experience takes you back to the sights and sounds of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick – preparing for battle. The firing of the trebuchet was spectacular –make sure you check events happening before you go. When you climb the mound where the old castle was, you get lovely views of Warwickshire. The state rooms of the “newer” castle are also well worth seeing. Most towers you can climb to the top of and one of the towers is especially for the younger ones (“princes and princesses”). You get a lovely view of the castle from across the river/mill. There is also a Victorian boathouse and a birds of prey collection. We would say that visiting the castle is very weather dependant.

The castle is privately owned – so there is an entrance fee which is quite high (but well worth it). You can get a combined ticket, which is a bit cheaper, to do the castle, the Dungeons and the Merlin Experience. 
Designated car parks specifically for the castle
Numerous shops, restaurants/cafes and toilets are dotted around
Guidebook available
Dogs are not allowed 

N & K

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire

Image
30th May 2017 1390s - built for John, 5th Lord Lovell, this is a hexagonal castle! 1578 - the castle is modernised by Sir Matthew Arundel Civil War - during an attempt to reclaim the castle the owner partially blew up the castle! The damage caused was never repaired, partly because the lands/castle were confiscated from Henry Arundel after the Civil War 1700s - New Wardour castle is erected and the old castle becomes a popular, romantic ruin We loved how different this castle was to anything we've seen so far. The different colour brick work is beautiful and the architecture stunning. The views of the lake are pretty and make sure you walk around the perimeter of the castle because no side is the same. Audio tour worth it! The grotto in the gardens is fun to explore (and very romantic 😉 ) .  Owned by English heritage  Own car park Small shop and toilets Guidebook and audio tour  Dogs allowed  N & K  
Read more

Richborough Roman Fort and Amphitheatre, Kent

Image
26 th June 2015 Since the Roman invasion of Britain in 43AD until the end of their rule (410AD), the site of Richborough was used as fort. Over time it became a town – with a mansio, temples and amphitheatre – and then a port. In the late 3 rd century the site was refortified due to the threat of the Saxons. After Roman rule ended, the site was occupied by the Saxons. This site was so interesting and the ruins are impressive when you consider how old they are. We would definitely recommend the audio tour, but there are also information panels dotted around the site. The exhibition next to the shop, about Roman life, is also interesting. Unfortunately we could not find the amphitheatre so we suggest asking in the shop for exact directions! Owned by English Heritage Designated car park Dogs allowed Small shop, toilets Guidebooks, audio tours N&K 
Read more

Corfe Castle, Dorset

Image
31st May 2017 978 - Rumour has it that the site of today's Corfe Castle was the location for King Edward the Martyr's murder, by his stepmother 1086 - William the Conqueror began building the castle 1105 - Henry I is thought to be responsible for building the 23 metre tall stone keep 1106 - Henry I imprisons his brother, Robert of Normandy, at Corfe Castle, after seizing the throne 1130s - The castle finds itself in the midst of action during the Anarchy between Stephen and Matilda 1199 - 1214 - King John imprisons his niece, Princess Eleanor of Brittany at Corfe During King John's reign he was a frequent visitor to the castle, strengthening its defences and building the Gloriette 1220 - 1294 - Henry III and Edward I make several alterations to the castle, including converting from timber to stone, strengthening defences and adding towers Henry VII gifted the castle to his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort 1509 - Lady Margaret dies and the castle is passed ba...
Read more