Day out: Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire

Kenilworth is steeped in history and wears its grand, colourful and besieged past proudly. Castle, palace, priory, great house – over the centuries Kenilworth has claimed all these labels. Originally, it was part of Henry I’s royal manor of Stoneleigh.

In the early 12th century, the king granted it to his chamberlain Geoffrey de Clinton who divided it in two, giving one part to an Augustinian Priory. For the next three centuries it was passed back and forth between the crown and various noble families, but the 1266 siege of Kenilworth Castle is one of the most notable events in its history.

Simon de Montfort had become a leading rebel against King Henry III during the Barons’ War – Kenilworth had been de Montfort’s headquarters, and it was there that his loyalist supporters retreated following his death at the Battle of Evesham.

Mighty fortress

The king was determined to flush the rebels out and began a siege of the castle that lasted for an extraordinary six months. Kenilworth was never stormed – testament to its military might.

It was difficult to infiltrate due to its unique structure – the castle had a dam to the south, and behind that an artificial lake stretching around to the west. There were also a series of ditches and pools along the east side.

You will be able to see this for yourself once you pass Mortimer’s Tower at the end of the long castle drive. You could either take a 15-minute walk around the external castle walls, or climb the Strong Tower for panoramic views of the countryside beyond.

Related articles

• Norham Castle, Northumberland
• Stirling Castle, Stirlingshire
• Gwydir Castle, Conwy

The royal forces used stone-throwing devices and wooden towers to little avail. They even tried to use barges to cross the water barriers but again they were unsuccessful.

The siege only ended after disease and famine weakened those within the 1,200-strong garrison. The rebels eventually accepted the Dictum of Kenilworth, giving the chance to buy back their estates.

Luxurious country pad

During the Elizabethan period, the castle was granted to Elizabeth I’s favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.

The Earl converted the castle into a great house and spent a fortune transforming it into a luxurious palace fit to receive his queen and her court; sumptuous apartments hung with rich tapestries, huge fires and a dancing chamber (the queen loved to boogie).

He even created a private garden with a stunning terrace – he wanted the grounds to be as magnificent as the interiors he had fashioned for her.

There has been much speculation that relationship between the Virgin Queen and Dudley was more than platonic. On one of her visits (her fourth and final) she stayed for 19 days – the longest she had ever stayed at a courtier’s house.

Ghosts among the ruins?

These days, what’s left of Kenilworth is in the safe hands of English Heritage. The distinctive red sandstone ruins are crackling with history and there are stories of spooky sightings and goings-on.

Monks, soldiers and running women have all been spotted, felt or smelt at some stage. And you too could have a ghostly encounter as you explore the kitchen, Great Hall and keep. There are all sorts of spooky events planned over the winter, from a Christmas ghost tour to a Halloween overnight stay.

There’s no furniture, so those who are brave enough have to be prepared to rough it a bit: think camp beds and scary stories. There’s no four poster luxury here any more, but a great atmosphere among the ruins. They don’t want to scare the little ones either – children have to be over eight.

You never know, one of the barons might make an appearance. If not, or being spooked isn’t your kind of thing, then why not take a stroll through the revived Elizabethan Garden.

It was lost to the world for more than 400 years but re-opened in 2009 – as a reward, treat yourself to a delicious home-made cake in the Tudor stables that now house the tearoom. But watch out, a phantom little boy has been spotted there.

Useful Information

HOW TO GET THERE

By car from London, take the M40 to J15, taking the A46 towards Kenilworth town centre and follows signs for the castle and B4103. The nearest train stations are Coventry and Leamington Spa. The castle is a 10-15 minute walk from Abbey Fields Park and the Clock Tower stops.

FIND OUT MORE

English Heritage

Castle Green, Off Castle Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire CV8 1NE

www.english-heritage.org.uk

Check website for daily opening times and upcoming events.

EAT

The Clarendon Arms

Castle Hill,
Kenilworth CV8 1NB

01926 852017

www.clarendonarmspub.co.uk

A family friendly pub opposite the castle, offering good quality, reasonably priced food and selection of beers.

NEARBY

Stratford-upon-Avon

www.visitstratforduponavon.co.uk

Explore the home of Britain’s most famous writer, William Shakespeare.