Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle is a vast medieval fortress that was besieged and then transformed into an Elizabethan palace, making it one of the most significant historical sites in the nation.

In 1120, Henry I granted land to his chamberlain, Geoffrey de Clinton who built most of the Norman keep and founds the nearby priory.

The construction of the what became known as the White Tower - the Tower of London - was completed in 1174. The de Clintons were still present at this time, although they appear to have been driven out by 1176 or thereabouts, when Henry II acquired it from their heirs between 1172 and 1180.

During a military operation to improve England’s key royal fortresses, King John erected an additional stone wall and a dam to retain a vast lake.

In 1253, Henry III gave Kenilworth Castle to his sister Eleanor and her husband, Simon de Montfort, who is believed to have constructed the Brays.

During the lengthy siege of the castle, De Montfort’s son held it against King Stephen for six months. Henry III subsequently gave it to his second son, Prince Edmund.

Blanche, the Lancastrian heiress, married Edward III’s third son, John of Gaunt, in the 1360s. Who was responsible for the rebuilding of Kenilworth’s structures on a huge scale.

During the 15th century, the castle was the preferred home of the Lancastrian kings, who came for excellent hunting. The king began work on the Pleasance in the Mere, which stretched down to the lake’s far shore.

Elizabeth I gave the castle to her favorite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in 1575. He converted it into a magnificent mansion for her amusement and embellished the park while also creating a private garden for her use.

Created: 12  November  2021  Edited: 29  November  2023