November 2011 – Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle in the county town of Warwickshire. It sits on a bend on the River Avon. The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 within or adjacent to the Anglo-Saxon burh of Warwick. It was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it to a country house. It was owned by the Greville family, who became earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978.

 

From 1088, the castle traditionally belonged to the Earl of Warwick, and it served as a symbol of his power. The castle was taken in 1153 by Henry of Anjou, later Henry II. It has been used to hold prisoners, including some from the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century. Under the ownership of Richard Neville – also known as "Warwick the Kingmaker" – Warwick Castle was used in the 15th century to imprison the English king, Edward IV. 

Since its construction in the 11th century, the castle has undergone structural changes with additions of towers and redesigned residential buildings. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th century military architecture. In the 17th century the grounds were turned into a garden. The castle's defences were enhanced in the 1640s to prepare the castle for action in the English Civil War.

The Tussards Group purchased Warwick Castle in 1978 and opened it as a tourist attraction. It is protected as a Grade I listed building. Tussauds performed extensive restorations to the castle and grounds. In 2001, Warwick Castle was named one of Britain's "Top 10 historic houses and monuments" by the British Tourist Authority; around this time it was getting in excess of half a million visitors a year.

Seasonal attractions include "Flight of the Eagles'" (a bird show, featuring bald eagles, vultures and owls), archery displays, Jousting, "The Trebuchet Show" and "The Sword in the Stone Show".

Xmas in the castle: