Warwick castle is situated on a escarpment overlooking the River Avon.
Henry de Newburgh was created 1st Earl of Warwick in 1088 but little remains of the Norman shell keep which was destroyed in the Barons' revolt of 1264. In 1312 the unpopular Piers Gaveston, Edward II's favourite, was captured by Guy, Earl of Warwick and other barons and executed just outside Warwick.
The property passed to the Beauchamp family in the mid-14th century and most of the outer features of the castle date from that time.
At the east end of the wing facing the river is the impressive six-storey Caesar's Tower built by Thomas Beauchamp, one of Edward III's most successful generals.
His son completed Guy's Tower in 1394. These two features helped to strengthen an already well fortified gatehouse and barbican.
The castle passed from the Beauchamps to Richard Neville, whose great wealth and success in the Wars of the Roses earned him the title 'Kingmaker'.
The castle was in a ruinous state when James I passed it in 1604 to Sir Fulke Greville, a local MP. Sir Fulke carried out much restoration and alterations and created the Jacobean wing facing the river.
During the Civil War the castle was held for Parliament by Robert, Lord Brooke. It was besieged but having made no impact on the castle's defences the besiegers were sent elsewhere.
In the 17th and 18th centuries the Greville family transformed the castle into a magnificent country house.
The Grevilles of the 18th century became great collectors and, despite a serious fire in 1871, the castle still houses an important collection of paintings and artifacts in a splendid medieval and Jacobean setting.
In 1978 the castle was bought by the owners of Madame Tussaud's.
They have set up tableaux of wax figures to illustrate the history of the castle, and there are displays and demonstrations in the summer. A good family attraction.
Open every day except Christmas Day. Last entry 30mins before close. 2008: Jan- 20th Mar: 10:00-17:00; 21 Mar-Sept: 10:00-18:00; Oct-Dec: 10:00-17:00.
Tel: 0870 442 2000 - Infoline Warwick Castle Website
