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» Places » Warwick Castle - [Castle] (SP 2830 6460)

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Official Site : Warwick Castle home page

Warwick Castle was built on the orders of William the Conqueror in 1068 as part of a defensive chain of castles established to maintain power in his new territories. It is possible that some kind of defensive structure existed on the site in the early tenth century or before belonging to Ethelfleda, the daughter of Alfred the Great, The castle has been remodelled and strengthened over the years to the point we see it today. The first castle consisted of a huge mound of earth topped with a wooden fort. To the north of the mound was the bailey surrounded by a ditch and wooden palisade. The castle was positioned by the side of the River Avon which gave protection to the castle on that side. The wooden structure on top of the mound was replaced by a stone shell keep some of which can still be seen. The wooden palisade around the bailey has also been replaced by stone walls and towers. During the Baron's War Simon de Montfort's forces attacked and damaged the defenses. The Beauchamp family took possession of the castle shortly after and owned the castle for almost 200 years. In the late fourteenth century the several major changes were made to the castle including the the great hall and domestic ranges, a water gate and improvements to the main gatehouse and the barbican infront of it. Over the centuries the castle became an important seat of power and was the home for the Earls of Warwick who played an important role in shaping the history of England. Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick was known as the 'Kingmaker' for his involvement in bringing Edward IV to the throne. The castle is now owned by the Tussaud Group and is possibly the best castle to visit in Britain due to the wide range of events and attractions that can be seen.

3D Reconstructions (see 3D reconstructions page for more information)

Warwick Castle in 1070

Warwick Castle in 1260

Mini Timeline

1068		Warwick Castle built on William's orders
		William the Conqueror ordered the building of Warwick Castle.
1088		Earldom of Warwick created
		The earldom of Warwick was created by William II and given to Henry de Beaumont. Henry de Beaumont changed his name to Newburgh.
1119		Roger de Newburgh 2nd Earl of Warwick
		Roger de Newburgh became the second Earl of Warwick.
1260		Warwick castle construction work
		Around this time building work at Warwick replaced the wooden motte and bailey fort with a stronger stone castle.
1312	Jun 19	Gaveston executed
		The Earl of Pembroke with his captive Gaveston, stopped at Deddington for the night. Pembroke left Gaveston to attend to other matters. The Earl of Warwick took advantage of Pembroke's absence and took Gaveston from his bed. They went to Warwick castle and Gaveston was thrown in the dungeon. The four Earls, Lancaster, Warwick, Arundel and Hereford took the decision that Gaveston should be punished and took him to Blacklow Hill where he was executed. As Gaveston was under excommunication, the body was not buried straight away.
1395		Guy's Tower completed at Warwick Castle
		The construction of the huge circular tower called Guy's Tower at Warwick Castle was completed.
1449		Richard Neville becomes Earl of Warwick
		Richard Neville married Anne Beauchamp who was the heiress to the Warwick Earldom. The last male Beauchamp had died without an heir and so Richard took the title of earl of Warwick. This gave him control of large amounts of land in the Midlands and South Wales.
1469	Aug	Woodville family members executed
		While Edward was imprisoned, Warwick captured the Queen's father (Earl Rivers) and one of her brothers and had them executed at Warwick Castle.