Kenilworth castle was built in the 12th century by the Clinton family and the massive square keep still bears their name.
Henry II appropriated the fortification for the crown and he and his successors John and Henry III spent a great deal on improving the defences.
In the early 13th century a great lake to the south and west was made by damming the streams flowing through the valley. Two lines of moats were dug on the north side and the water fortification together with the completion of the mural towers in the outer ward made the castle one of the best defended in the country.
Henry III gave the castle as a residence for life to his sister Eleanor and her husband Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. Sixteen years later Simon de Monfort used Kenilworth as his base in his revolt against the king.
He imprisoned the king's son Prince Edward and his brother Richard in the castle which lead to the famous siege of 1266.
After the intense bombardment failed the besiegers realised the virtual impossibility of storming the castle. They tried instead to negotiate a surrender. However It was not until deprivation and disease and realisation that there would be no outside relief that the garrison finally surrendered.
In the 14th century John of Gaunt transformed the castle into a splendid residence. The castle's history was also enlivened by frequent royal visits. It was here that Edward II learned of his disposition and signed his abdication.
In 1575 Queen Elizabeth I stayed at the castle and Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester spent around £100,000 on providing suitable accommodation for the queen and her court. He built the greathouse and inserted large windows in place of the earlier Norman ones.
After Robert Dudley died the castle declined.
During the Civil War the castle changed hands and in 1649 Parliament voted to destroy it.
Although actual demolition was not carried out over the years the castle has been reduced to a vast ruin.
2008: 21 Mar-31 Oct: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun; Nov-Feb: 10:00-16:00 Mon-Sun; Mar: 10:00-17:00 Mon-Sun. Last entry 30 mins before close. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan. Gatehouse closes early if private events.
Tel: 01926 852078 Kenilworth Castle Website
