Warwick Castle - Over a thousand years of history

Following his conquest of England in 1066, William the Conqueror moved northwards from London to quell conflict in the Midlands and the North. In 1068 he established the castle at Warwick which was controlled by Henry de Beaumont as Castellan or Constable. Originally a motte and bailey structure, it was used as a fortifi cation until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it into a country house and gardens. The Greville family owned the castle from 1604 until 1978 when it became the property of its current owners, the Tussaud’s Group.

During its turbulent past, the castle has undergone many structural changes and was eventually rebuilt as a stone shell keep (its current form) in the 12th century. When Sir Greville became owner, the castle was in ruins and he spent more than £3,000,000 at today’s value on restoration work. It is now protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and is a Grade I listed building.

A visit to the castle and gardens off ers wonderful experiences and tales of fascinating times gone by, of power and passion and treachery and torture, During the year it is host to the Birds of Prey Experience, Warwick Ghosts Alive (a short live action show using actors, sound, lighting and visual eff ects), demonstrations of the Trebuchet (one of the world‘s largest siege engines), Kingmaker‘s Me­diaeval Banquets, Highwayman’s Sup­pers, the Great Jousting Tournament, the Summer Concert with fi reworks and the Great Mediaeval Summer – a programme of activities held every day throughout the summer including jousting,archery, falconry and combat shows.

At Christmas it is transformed for the festive season. Diversions include the magical Christmas Tree Forest with 600 Christmas trees, ice eff ect sculptures and delightful creatures such as the impish Jack Frost and beautiful Snowfl ake Fairy. Inside, the castle is beautifully dressed with a stunning 25ft tree and Christmas stories and fairytales can be enjoyed in the State Rooms.

For more information visit: www.warwick-castle.co.uk

How to get there:

Car
Off A4189. In Claverdon follow signs for Shrewley & brown tourist signs for Ardencote Manor, approx. 1.5m

Train
www.centraltrains.co.uk
www.chilternrailways.co.uk

Coach
www.nationalexpress.com

Plane
www.skyeurope.com – London – Luton, Manchester
www.ryanair.com – London – Stansted, Bristol, Birmingham, East Midlands

Accommodation
www.warwick-uk.co.uk
www.qhotels.co.uk
www.hiexpress.com/warwickuk

Info
www.visitbritain.co.uk

By Jan Maytum
Photo: BritainonView, Beata Paškova

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