Kenilworth Castle - Historic Environment

What was Kenilworth Castle?

Kenilworth Castle was a royal castle located in the Warwickshire town of the same name.

When was Kenilworth Castle built?

Kenilworth Castle was built in the 1120s.

Who built Kenilworth Castle?

It was built by Geoffrey de Clinton.

What is the history of Kenilworth Castle?

Kenilworth Castle has changed over time:

• ❖ In the early 13th century the castle was extended by King John, who added outer walls and a lake to help defend the fortress.
• ❖ Later in the century, the castle faced a 6-month long siege.
• ❖ In the 14th century, John of Gaunt developed the castle into a palace which included apartments and the great hall.
• ❖ In 1563 the castle was granted to Robert Dudley, who continued its development as a palace used for festivities and the royal court.
• ❖ The castle's fortifications were dismantled after the civil war in 1650 and it was left to go to ruin.

How did Robert Dudley change Kenilworth Castle?

Dudley made many significant changes to the design of Kenilworth Castle:

• ❖ He added a gatehouse in 1570.
• ❖ He built a bedchamber for Elizabeth I.
• ❖ He built a gallery for Elizabeth I.
• ❖ He also built her a withdrawing chamber.
• ❖ He also designed a magnificent garden.

How did Dudley change the gatehouse at Kenilworth Castle?

This was intended as the castle's new grand entrance, as it was wide enough for carriages to pass through and also had accommodation on two floors.

How did Dudley change the gardens at Kenilworth Castle?

Dudley designed an Italian-style private garden for the queen. It included a fountain of the Greek god, Atlas, a 20-foot aviary, and many different flowers - some of which were new to England.

How did Dudley change the bedchamber at Kenilworth Castle?

Elizabeth's bedchamber was positioned on the east side, with a substantial fireplace and large bay window.

Why did Dudley change Kenilworth Castle?

There are many possible reasons why Dudley made the changes to Kenilworth:

• ❖ To impress Elizabeth.
• ❖ To show off his status.
• ❖ As a legacy to his family.
• ❖ To persuade Elizabeth to marry him.
• ❖ To show he understood new fashions and trends.
• ❖ As somewhere for Elizabeth to stay on her progresses.

When did Elizabeth visit Kenilworth Castle?

The queen visited the castle four times during her progresses. In 1575 she stayed for a total of 19 days.

Why did Elizabeth go on progresses to Kenilworth Castle?

There were several reasons Elizabeth went on progresses:

• ❖ It allowed her to be seen frequently by her subjects.
• ❖ She could flatter and cultivate the nobles she stayed with.
• ❖ The progresses allowed Elizabeth to live in luxury while not spending money, as the nobility desperately wanted to impress her.
• ❖ They gave the royal court an excuse to escape from the capital at times when the plague was rife.

What events happened at Kenilworth Castle in 1575?

During the royal progress to Kenilworth Castle in 1575, Dudley tried to impress the queen in a number of ways:

• ❖ The queen was greeted by actors delivering speeches of welcome and bearing gifts, including the keys to the castle.
• ❖ Dancing - one of Elizabeth's favourite pastimes - took place frequently during this progress.
• ❖ There were elaborate banquets where guests consumed up to 40 barrels of beer and 16 barrels of wine per day.
• ❖ There were firework displays that were said to be heard from 20 miles away.