Kenilworth Castle was founded in 1120.
The walls of its Norman keep are six meters thick. In the fourteenth century
the castle was transformed from a stronghold into a palatial home.
Edward the Third's son, John of Gaunt, made
many alterations, and was instrumental in transforming it. The Great Hall he
built still survives. Kenilworth stands as the largest and finest castle ruins
in England. The tower beside the Hall is a fantastic view, allowing you to look
out over the countryside.
It was given to Robert Dudley, the Earl of
Leicester, as a gift from Queen Elizabeth in 1563. When Robert took possession
of the castle, it was run down and in great disrepair. Robert spent nearly a
fortune on it, and it became very imposing--filled with treasures, tapestries,
and Turkish Carpets. It had great four-poster beds, rich draperies, huge
mirrors, and finely carved chairs. Robert even had a Aviary there!
In 1575 Queen Elizabeth came to stay for 19
days. Her visit was greeted with a great water pageant, with the "Lady of the
Lake" actually floating on the water and speaking to the Queen! Sir Walter
Scott wrote a novel about it called (appropriately) "Kenilworth." The novel is
not an accurate account, and should be considered fiction.
In 1587, Robert bequeathed the castle to his
brother Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick, and after his death to Sir Robert
Dudley, son of the Earl of Leicester by Lady Sheffield (see Roberts biography
on another page). King James I obstructed the Courts, however, and did not let
Sir Robert have the castle due to doubts about his legitimacy.
It now is a tourist attraction, complete with a
tape tour, souvenir shop–and an admission price of (approximately) $5.00
US or £2.50. It is a 5 minute train ride from Warwick, in the Midlands.
For information, you can call (In England) 01926 852078
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