We visited Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, my first impression was of a crumbling edifice that was very well looked after. We walked through a stunning Elizabethan walled garden taking photographs of the plants and flowers then we rested on one of the numerous benches that were available.
I was intrigued by the history of the castle and the variety of high profile
Elizabethans who have stayed here, including Queen Elizabeth the first and John of Gaunt.
Elizabethans who have stayed here, including Queen Elizabeth the first and John of Gaunt.
Margaret and I then continued our walk around the rear of the castle and we discovered an entrance that led to a stone staircase up to the very top of the castle. Margaret decided not to tire herself with a strenuous climb to the top and elected to sit on a seat below while I made the climb to the top. I looked over the surrounding countryside and the breathtaking view of the area around the castle and I took some wonderful photographs. I managed to snap a really nice picture of Margaret sitting far below on her bench. I turned and photographed some stunning views of the castle from my birds eye view high on the upper walls of the castle tower.
I made my way down the steep steps and incline back to where Margaret was sitting and we sat for a while chatting and enjoying the afternoon sunshine.
Next we explored Leicester's Gatehouse and visited a fascinating exhibition about the romance between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley. There were an incredible number of books and leaflets and explanatory notices to read, it would be easy to become steeped in the world of the Elizabethans. Sadly we were only able to scratch the surface and marvel at the artefacts and paintings.
Next we explored Leicester's Gatehouse and visited a fascinating exhibition about the romance between Queen Elizabeth and Robert Dudley. There were an incredible number of books and leaflets and explanatory notices to read, it would be easy to become steeped in the world of the Elizabethans. Sadly we were only able to scratch the surface and marvel at the artefacts and paintings.
We then wandered around John of Gaunt's great hall, built to reinforce the image of Tudor power and wealth it has played host to many medieval monarchs over the years. It was stunning to stand and reflect on the scenes of pomp and ceremony mingled with everyday Elizabethan life that have taken place within the bounds of these castle walls.
We walked back through the walled Elizabethan garden admiring and taking photographs of some of the beautiful plants that were in flower. The final stop on this brilliant informative visit was to "The Stables" cafe, which is built into the original castle stables. There was another small exhibition there and the timber-framed stables added a note of authenticity to our experience. We sat together on a table outside in the sunshine and enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea as we watched the other visitors to the castle enjoying their day.
We walked back through the walled Elizabethan garden admiring and taking photographs of some of the beautiful plants that were in flower. The final stop on this brilliant informative visit was to "The Stables" cafe, which is built into the original castle stables. There was another small exhibition there and the timber-framed stables added a note of authenticity to our experience. We sat together on a table outside in the sunshine and enjoyed a refreshing cup of tea as we watched the other visitors to the castle enjoying their day.
I could not help marvelling on the magnificence of Kenilworth Castle and I looked up the impressive history on-line. The castle dates back to Norman times in the eleventh century and was held by at least three royal kings before John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, acting as protector to young Richard the second. Perhaps the most interesting period was when it was owned by Robert Dudley who continued to extensively re-build the castle, where he lavishly entertained Queen Elizabeth the first. After he died it had a very checkered history including some destruction by Oliver Cromwell. It is now one of the jewels in the crown of English Heritage.