Warwick Castle is a fine example of a medieval castle. Located in the town of Warwick, it stands on a cliff overlooking the River Avon. The castle is a Grade I listed building and protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is considered one of the finest Norman strongholds in England and is now often referred to as Britain’s ultimate historical experience, offering a comprehensive and immersive adventure into over 1,100 years of history.
Built on the site of an Anglo-Saxon burgh, the castle was one of the first motte and wooden bailey structures to be built by King William after the Norman Conquest. Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068.
The castle and the title Earl of Warwick were granted to Henry de Newburgh in 1088 and Warwick castle became home to future Earl’s for several generations. It was used as a fortification until early in the 17th century when it was converted by the Greville family into a country house. In 1604, James I granted the castle to Sir Fulke Greville, who converted it to a country house.
As with all the Norman castles, Warwick has seen many alterations over the centuries. The original motte and bailey structure was demolished in the 12th century and construction of a stone fortress began. During the Hundred Years War (1337 1453) the side of the castle facing the town was refortified. This fine example of 14th century military architecture still stands today.
Entrance to the inner courtyard is through a gatehouse in the curtain wall that still retains the old portcullis. Some the towers in the wall reached up to 40 metres high. The keep was located in the centre of the north wall and was designed to repel attack, both from outside and from rebel mutineers within.
It was flanked by the Clarence Tower to the left and the Bear Tower to the right. The majority of the residential buildings were located along the eastern wall facing the river which along with the thick curtain walls provided them with an ample defence against marauders.
Warwick Castle was renovated in the 17th century and the magnificent collection of furniture and artworks by European masters date from this period. The Greville family owned Warwick Castle until 1978, when it was bought by the Tussauds Group.
Warwick Castle is now leased by Merlin Entertainments (the owners of Alton Towers and a number of other UK attractions) and is a very popular UK tourist attraction.
Introduction to Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle in the heart of Warwick, England is Britain’s best historical experience. This medieval masterpiece has been around since the 11th century and has had many owners and restorations, each adding to the story. Explore the castle’s grand architecture, the Great Hall, State Rooms and the Castle Dungeon.
Situated on a bend of the River Avon, Warwick Castle is a beautiful place to spend the day. The castle’s mix of history, architecture and entertainment makes it a must see attraction in England. The Greville family were played a big part in the castle’s restoration and owned it until it was bought by the Tussauds Group in 1978. Today it’s operated by Merlin Entertainments and has loads of activities and events throughout the year.
From live shows like the Falconer’s Quest to the peaceful gardens and grounds, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, Warwick Castle promises a day to remember.
Warwick Castle History
Warwick Castle is one of the most exciting and impressive castles in the UK, and due to the extensive rebuilding and restoration work carried out it is now a working castle and is a living museum of the life and times of several periods of history. It is packed with history and helped shape England’s course. Sir Fulke Greville, the 1st Baron Brooke, significantly renovated the castle, enhancing its grandeur and historical importance.
The castle stands on the banks of the River Avon, on what would originally have been the site of a fortification and riverside settlements constructed in 914 by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great and Chieftain of the Mercians, following the attacks of Viking raiders. Ethelfleda’s Mound is still in existence and can still be seen within the castle grounds. Robert Greville, 2nd Baron Brooke, further enhanced the castle’s defenses during the English Civil War, preparing it for a Royalist siege in 1642.
Francis Greville, the 8th Baron Brooke and later the Earl of Warwick, played a crucial role in the castle’s gothic restoration and collaborated with renowned landscape designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown to improve the surrounding grounds.
Norman Conquest
Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, the original fortifications were replaced in 1068 by a Norman motte and wooden bailey.
William the Conqueror gave the lands and title of Earl of Warwick to Henry de Newburgh in 1088, when the wooden fortifications were demolished and the stone castle began construction in 1260. Warwick Castle was home for the Earls of Warwick for many generations and it was one of the five areas in England where jousting tournaments could take place. A significant feature of the castle’s structure is Caesar’s Tower, which offers stunning views of the grounds and showcases the castle’s rich history.
Jousting had originally been banned by Henry II on the grounds that they caused unnecessary injury to knights whose strength and skills would be needed in battle, but under an order named Conflictus Gallicus, his son Richard I (Richard the Lionheart) licensed jousting in those five areas in England upon payment of a licence fee. It was felt that by allowing knights to practice jousting or ‘tourneying’ they would be better able to match the skills of knights abroad, who were famed for their military skills.
From the fourteenth century Warwick Castle became the home of the Beaumonts in whose family the castle stayed for generations until the present day. The castle passed through various aristocratic lineages due to death, marriage, or political manoeuvring, illustrating its significant historical lineage and role in the power dynamics of medieval England.
War of the Roses
During the Wars of the Roses, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick was a staunch Yorkist in favour of the Duke of York and in opposition to the Lancastrians and King Henry VI. The King was captured by the Yorkists in 1460 and his son Edward declared King as Edward IV. It’s his direct involvement with the plot to unseat King Henry and to bring Edward IV to the throne that earned him the title of Kingmaker. Following Neville’s demise, the title of Earl of Warwick was awarded to George Plantagenet, the Duke of Clarence, who had a brief tenure before his imprisonment and death.
The castle’s history is also marked by the contentious relationship between Piers Gaveston and the Earls of Warwick. Gaveston’s influence over King Edward II led to resentment from the earls, including Guy de Beauchamp, which culminated in Gaveston’s capture and execution at Warwick Castle after a quick trial.
Royal Connections
Warwick Castle has a long history of royal connections starting with King Henry II who gave the castle to Henry de Beaumont in 1153. King Henry II then further cemented the castle’s royal links by making Roger de Beaumont Earl of Warwick. This was the start of a long and prestigious association with the British monarchy.
The castle has hosted many royal visitors over the years including the famous Elizabeth I who attended a royal weekend here. The private apartments within the castle have accommodated many notable guests including Ambrose Dudley who stole cavalry horses from the castle.
Warwick Castle’s history is also linked to the English Civil War where it was a Parliamentarian stronghold. The title of Earl of Warwick held by the Greville family still celebrates the castle’s royal heritage.
You can explore this royal history by visiting the Great Hall which has seen many royal events and gatherings. The castle’s royal connections make it a special and interesting place for history buffs to visit and get a glimpse into the grandeur and intrigue of Britain’s royal past.
Castle Grounds and Gardens
The castle grounds and gardens are part of the Warwick Castle experience and cover over 64 acres of lovely grounds. These gardens are beautifully designed and maintained and feature a wide range of plants and flowers including a lovely rose garden and a practical herb garden.
You can wander along the ancient garden walls which date back to the 14th century and soak up the atmosphere. The castle grounds have several attractions including the thrilling Falconer’s Quest and the spooky Castle Dungeon so there’s something for everyone.
The River Avon runs through the castle grounds and is a lovely place for a riverside stroll. The area is teeming with wildlife and you can often see the UK’s largest birds of prey flying overhead.
The gardens and grounds of Warwick Castle are a must see and offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and history. Whether you’re exploring the gardens or enjoying the attractions the castle grounds are a great experience for all.
Capability Brown
In the eighteenth century Lancelot Brown (Capability Brown, so named because he would survey the grounds of a stately home and pronounce that they had ‘capabilities’) was commissioned to redesign the gardens of Warwick and in 1750 brought a new fashion of landscaping using classical influences and artistic talent to the grounds of Warwick. Francis Greville, the 8th Baron Brooke, also made significant gothic interior enhancements to the castle, including the chapel.
During the English Civil War, the construction of bulwarks designed to mount artillery was undertaken to prepare for potential attacks, highlighting the castle’s strategic military significance during this period.
Attractions and Exhibits
Warwick Castle is packed with attractions and exhibits to entertain all ages. The Great Hall and State Rooms are a glimpse into the castle’s past. The Castle Dungeon is a thrilling experience into the castle’s darker history.
The exhibits are fun and educational with wax figures, interactive displays and live shows. One of the most popular attractions is the Falconer’s Quest with over 60 birds flying high.
You can also explore the towers, Guy’s Tower and Caesar’s Tower, with stunning views and a sense of the castle’s defences. The attractions and exhibits at Warwick Castle are always changing with new events and activities added throughout the year.
The ticket office offers a range of tickets from day tickets to annual passes so you can choose how you want to visit. With its history and attractions Warwick Castle is an adventure not to be missed for all who enter its walls and grounds.
Conservation
Warwick Castle is passionate about conservation with many initiatives in place to protect its historic buildings and grounds. The castle’s conservation team use traditional methods and materials to restore and maintain the buildings and features so they can be enjoyed for generations to come.
An eco-friendly electricity generating plant helps reduce the castle’s carbon footprint and the gardens are maintained using sustainable practices such as composting and recycling to keep them looking their best.
The castle’s conservation work has been recognised by the British Tourist Authority and visitors can find out more about these initiatives on guided tours and interactive exhibits and learn why it’s so important to preserve this piece of history.
Warwick Castle’s conservation is part of its mission to be Britain’s best historical experience. By protecting its heritage and natural beauty the castle ensures future generations can continue to visit and enjoy this iconic landmark.
Merlin Entertainments
Warwick Castle was bought by the Tussaud Group in 1978 and then in 2007 was taken over by Merlin Entertainments who now operate a lease for the castle. Visitors can extend their visit with an overnight stay at the medieval-themed Knight’s Village, which offers unique accommodation such as wooden lodges and glamping tents.
You can see a full size working trebuchet, the medieval siege machine, which can be operated by members of the public under supervision. Jousting is held in the castle grounds during the annual summer pageants. Tickets and opening times are available from their website.
In 1900, Warwick Castle introduced a permanent guide, enhancing the visitor experience and marking its evolution into a significant tourist attraction.