Kenilworth Castle Warwickshire

UK Castles: Kenilworth Castle

Jake Davies

Kenilworth Castle has a surprising amount of history associated with it. Kenilworth, though not a particularly well known castle, being somewhat overshadowed by the nearby Warwick Castle in Warwick, is definitely worth a visit.

Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, UK. — Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire, UK

It was founded in the 1120's by Geoffrey de Clinton,. — Kenilworth Castle was founded in the 1120's by Geoffrey de Clinton

History

Founded in the 1120's by Geoffrey de Clinton, a rival to Roger de Beaumont at nearby Warwick Castle, it is possible that the surviving Great Tower was built then.

In the early 13th century King John significantly expanded the castle and flooded the area to the west to create the Great Mere, making it one of the biggest castles in England with one of the biggest water defenses.

The siege of Kenilworth Castle of 1266 is believed to be the longest siege in English history and the success of the castle's water defenses influenced designs of later castles including Caerphilly.

Over the ensuing centuries the castle was expanded by various owners but it is the additions of the Elizabethan age that are most well known. It was owned by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who is famous for possibly being the lover of Queen Elizabeth. Whether he was her lover or not is in dispute, but what is certain is that he made a great attempt to woo her.

The impressive roof of the Tudor stables at Kenilworth. — The impressive roof of the Tudor stables at Kenilworth

At the top of the 100 foot high tower he built were chambers for her exclusive use, and included the biggest glass windows in a secular building in the whole country. Elizabeth stayed here four times, the longest being for 19 days in 1575 which certainly fueled the gossip.

For centuries the chambers have been inaccessible, but recently stairs have been constructed and so visitors may now visit the royal chambers and experience the views she would have had. Another lavish feature built by Dudley to impress Elizabeth were gardens which have now been reconstructed and are open to visitors.

During the First Civil War (1642-46) both the Parliamentarians and the Royalists held the castle and in 1649 Parliament ordered the castle "slighted" which meant that much of it was dismantled.

Successive owners lived in the gate house and used the castle as a farm. By the Victorian era it was somewhat of a tourist attraction, and in the mid-20th century it was given to Kenilworth and in 1984 taken over by English Heritage who continue to maintain and improve the castle for visitors. There is a plan to re-flood the Great Mere which would certainly make it appear much as it did in its former glory.

There is a small shop selling souvenirs and other products, and the stables contain exhibitions and a tea room.

During spring and summer the castle is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 6 pm. During the rest of the year Kenilworth Castle is only open at weekends, though opening days are somewhat variable so best to check beforehand.

Entry for adults presently is 12.90 GBP, though may be higher during special events. Best to check beforehand.