Warwick Castle
As medieval castles go, Warwick has to be one of England's most evocative,redolent of the history that shaped it since William the Conqueror first built his motte and bailey fortress here in 1068.
The Earl of Warwick
William's mound is all that survives of that fortification but over the centuries the castle grew into an impressive stronghold to reflect the status of its owners. By 1088 this was the seat of the Earls of Warwick who were to become significant figures in Britain's story.
By the middle of the 13th century the castle had an imposing gatehouse inserted into its stone curtain and a shell keep crowning the motte. The main protagonist in the Barons' War,Simon de Montfort,lived at neghbouring Kenilworth Castle, so attack was almost inevitable when Warwick sided with Henry III.
Four years later the de Beauchamps inherited the earldon: it was Guy de Beauchamp who helped to seize and trick Edward II's favourite,Piers Gaveston,leading to Gavesron's trial and execution at Warwick in 1312. Early in the 15th century the family's influence at Court was great enough for Henry v to appoint Richard de Beauchamp as tutor to his son Prince Henry ( Henry VI )
A top visitor attraction
In 1978 Warwick was sold by the Grevilles to the tussauds group, which has put much effort into restoring and developing the castle, now one of Britain's top visitor attractions.
Displays in the castle include period furnishings and the extraordinarily lifelike waxwork models, and show the life of the castle through the ages up to the late Victorian era.
Parts of the medieval castle are incorporated into the state rooms, which were refurbished mainly in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today the castle is one of the best places in England to get a flavour of life in a medieval castle. There is a full calendar of events and the website is excellent. Restaurants serve refreshments.
How to get there:
Address:
Warwick CastleWarwick
Warwickshire
CV34 4QU
Warwickshire
CV34 4QU
Map ref :
SP 284647
Tel:
0870 442 2000
web:
Open:
Daily 10-5 Jan-Mar,Oct-Dec;
10-6 Apr-Sep
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