Kenilworth Castle, has played an important role in British history for over 500 years.
The castle ruins in the town of Kenilworth in Warwickshire, England, was built almost entirely from local new red sandstone.
The site was fortified by the Saxons, and Kenilworth is mentioned in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book of 1086
It was later expanded and improved by various owners over the centuries, including King John, Henry III, and Queen Elizabeth I.
? The first castle at Kenilworth was erected in 1120 by Geoffrey de Clinton.
In 1252 Henry III gave it away to Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.
The castle was handed to John of Gaunt, son of Edward III, and later became a royal palace.
? One of the most significant events in the castle’s history was the six-month siege it endured during the English Civil War in 1649.
The castle was captured by Parliamentary forces and was subsequently damaged, to prevent it from being used again as a fortress.
The castle then went through several transformations over the centuries.
? It was redesigned to focus on comfort and luxury, rather than strength of defence.
It eventually became an Elizabethan style palace.
In its final incarnation, the castle’s gatehouse was transformed into a dwelling, while the rest of the castle lay in ruins.
The changes made over the centuries, such as the larger Tudor windows, are easily visible.
The kitchen was near the castle keep, kept separate to prevent fire.
? The Great Hall built by John of Gaunt, has lost its flooring, but it can be viewed from the undercroft or basement.
The walls of the hall are still standing, along with evidence of an imposing vaulted ceiling, tall windows, window seats for work requiring more light, and a large fireplace.
? Mortimer’s Tower guarded the entrance to the outer bailey, and was essentially a gatehouse.
The narrow passage through the tower, with thick walls and arrow slits above, meant that it could be defended by a small force of men.
? The Strong Tower, featuring stone vaulting across all floors, was three floors high, and contained the domestic facilities such as the pantry and the buttery.
The Saintlowe Tower and Gaunt’s Tower were built by John of Gaunt to provide luxurious accommodations for himself, and for important guests.
? Other buildings at Kenilworth include the gatehouse and living quarters that were constructed by Sir Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, during the reign of Elizabeth I.
Dudley, a favourite of Elizabeth, built the living quarters specifically for her visits.
Its three stories each contained a group of rooms, including a sitting room, a luxurious bedroom, and special decorative and elaborate fireplaces.
? Kenilworth Castle has been used as a filming location for various television shows and movies.
Some of the notable films and TV Series that were filmed at Kenilworth castle are:
The BBC series “Peaky Blinders”
The TV movie “Henry VIII” (2003)
The movie “Elizabeth: The Golden Age” (2007)
The historical drama “The Virgin Queen” (2005)
The TV series “Merlin”
The movie “Lady Jane” (1986)
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