Castles intrigue me, whether in ruin or well preserved. They dot the countryside of England and stand as strong reminders of the power and wealth long ago. Lords and Lady’s in their fancy dress, hosting lavish balls and dinners, Knights and Tournaments, the Chivalry and Pagentry of the Throne, the Castles and Dungeons, and sadly wars and famines.
Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is an excellent example of a well preserved Medieval castle though it’s important to realize the castle you see today has been improved, rebuilt, suffered from fire and rebuilt again over the last 950 years several times. Warwick had been privately owned, either by individuals or the Crown, until it was sold to the Tussard’s Group in 1978, reportedly via a 99 year lease.
The castle was then sold to Merlin Entertainments Group in 2007. During the ownership of the Tussard’s Group the castle was decorated with their world famous wax figures in various rooms of the castle. Now under the direction of Merlin Entertainment Group it has been expanded to cover all forms of added period entertainment. They’ve even added Lodges near the castle for overnight accommodations as well as daily shows and activities. They even included a castle dungeon.
My Visit to Warwick Castle
My visit to Warwick was during the Tussard’s ownership. I’m sure it was much quieter then since there wasn’t as much to do other than walk around the castle and learn about the history. Whereas, now the castle is full of shows and tournaments, including a Horrible History Maze and a Castle Dungeon show. In fact, the Merlin Entertainment Group has invested over £6,000,000 in the restoration of the castle in the last ten years.
I’m super happy that Warwick Castle has entered into a new chapter and evolved with the times. Why not? Warwick has been evolving since it was built by William the Conqueror. I can’t think of a more beautiful place to vacation with the family and raise awareness of the importance of restoration and history. Personally, I can’t wait to go back and see all the changes!
The History of Warwick Castle
So I have touched on the commercial ownership of Warwick Castle, but that’s not why people visit. They visit for the inspiring beauty and rich history steeped in treachery, murder, mystery and intrigue. Warwick Castle has a history, that’s for sure and that history will never change. So I’m including a brief glimpse of the many additions and just a few of the owners of Warwick Castle below.
Warwick Castle 1068
When William the Conqueror arrived in England he began building castles. It’s what the Normans did, they were master builders. And what better to way to defend your new conquests than to build these massive fortresses to protect, dominate and rule? Warwick Castle was built as a wooden motte and bailey castle constructed on the orders of William the Conqueror in 1068.
Warwick Castle 1154 – 1450
During the reign of King Henry II, the wooden structure was replaced by a fortified stone castle. I can’t imagine a castle not made of stone.
In 1260, King Henry III completely replaced the wood in the castle with stone. When it was rebuilt, the castle had a new layout with buildings along the curtain wall.
But when the Baron’s War started the castle was badly damaged. The castle was reconstructed and several additions were made. Cesear’s Tower and the Dungeon were added around 1350 and Guy’s Tower was added in 1395.
This was a time of knights and tournaments. Possibly one of the most active times to live at the castle. The castle flourished under the reign of King Edward III but suffered from the black death and various other plaques.
Warwick Castle 1450 – 1478
During the War of the Roses period, Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick gained the title of King Maker when he helped Edward IV become King. Warwick then changed alliances and defeated Edward IV and restored Henry VI to power.
Unfortunately for Neville, Edward IV returned during the Battle of Barnet in 1471 and defeated Warwick. Interesting enough, Neville’s daughter Ann married Richard III and later became Queen of England as the wife of King Richard III.
During this time the Gatehouse and Barbican were added.
Warwick Castle 1478 – 1547
Warwick Castle was held in the custody of the Crown after several controversies. But in 1499 the Crown’s title to the castle became absolute. During this period the Bear and Clarence Towers were added. The kitchens were also improved, a Spy Tower built, and the state rooms were extended.
Warwick Castle 1547 – 1604
John Dudley became the new Earl of Warwick and the most powerful noble in England. However, through schemes and manipulations he was beheaded for treason. In 1554, the Crown regains ownership Warwick Castle under Mary I Queen of England.
Warwick Castle 1604 – 1978
Sir Fulke Greville was granted the castle by James I in 1604. The Castle remained in the Greville family until it was sold with many of it’s contents to the Tussaud’s Group in 1978.
Over the almost 375 years the Greville’s owned the castle substantial repairs and improvements were made to castle and grounds, including the winding path up the mound. In the 1740’s plans were made to add a new 2 story structure and the gardens were designed in 1753.
Fire at the Castle
The castle suffered a devastating fire in 1871 damaging the Great Hall and most of the private residences. Newspapers reported the grand staircase and the hall had been considered the finest in the Kingdom prior to the fire. Unfortunately, the fire destroyed the richly carved Gothic roof that had just been installed less than five years prior as well as the Venetian marble floors of the Great Hall. Most of the Greville’s personal possessions were lost but they were able to save many priceless paintings, including a Rembrandt.
Although the castle was repaired, it seems the Greville’s lost the desire to live there. In 1967 Charles Greville gave the house to his son, David Greville, to avoid paying income taxes. David Greville then decided to sell many of the castle’s fine art and treasures. This created a public outrage. After selling many of the treasures, Greville sold the Castle in 1978.
Warwick Castle 1978 – present
Luckily for the castle, the Tussaud’s Group renovated the castle and opened it up to the public. They ensured the castle didn’t fall into decay and hosted almost one million visitors per year.
In 2007 Tussaud’s sold Warwick Castle to Merlin Entertainments Group who have put over £6,000,000 into the restoration of the castle. Merlin has successfully brought the castle up to the standards of today and created a family atmosphere with tons of activities and attractions to boost tourism to the castle.
While the world around us changes we must also accept that these beautiful Medieval castles must change as well to survive. I know many aren’t happy with the commercialization of these historic sites, but we must accept this is the only way to preserve what is left of them for generations to come.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this very brief history of Warwick Castle. I’d love to hear from you if you’ve visited. I’m sharing a few photos of my visit and would love to see your photos as the landscape is always changing.
How To Visit Warwick Castle
Warwick Castle is a perfect location for a family adventure or getaway. If you want to visit the castle or check events and specials you can visit Warwick Castle here.
