周辺の城・トップ5

The castle was founded after the Norman Conquest of 1066; with development through to the Tudor period. It has been described by the architectural historian Anthony Emery as "the finest surviving example of a semi-royal palace of the later middle ages, significant for its scale, form and quality of workmanship". Kenilworth played an important historical role: it was the subject of the six-month-long siege of Kenilworth in 1266, thought to be the longest siege in medieval English history, and formed a base for Lancastrian operations in the Wars of the Roses. Kenilworth was the scene of the removal of Edward II from the English throne, the perceived French insult to Henry V in 1414 of a gift of tennis balls (said by John Strecche to have prompted the campaign that led to the Battle of Agincourt), and the Earl of Leicester's lavish reception of Elizabeth I in 1575. It has been described as "one of two major castles in Britain which may be classified as water-castles or lake-fortresses...

Leicester’s Gatehouse, built by Robert Dudley on the north side of the base court, provided a grand new entrance to the castle, and gave access via a long bridge to the hunting ground created by Dudley north of the mere. After the Civil War, the building was converted into a residence, using stonework and interiors from elsewhere in the castle. Currently, the building houses an exhibition, which focuses mainly on Dudley and Queen Elizabeth.

The dam was probably constructed in three phases; initially circa 1125, then subsequently raised by King John and lastly the western lane and bridge possibly 17th century. It is not known when the castle’s great defensive lake, created by the dam, was first called a Mere nor when the breach, shown here being repaired in 1964, was first called Hawkesworth’s Gap. At the end of the Civil War in 1649, Cromwell’s Parliamentarians were determined to ensure that the former Royalist strongholds would never again provide a safe haven for those who opposed the new republican parliament’s powers. So, Colonel Joseph Hawkesworth, MP was appointed to ‘slight’ or damage the castle beyond repair and it is said he breached the Tiltyard to drain the mere as part of the slighting.

Drop down and corner past a medieval castle. Pretty cool.

One of the finest examples of a semi-royal palace of the later middle ages. Built over 900 years ago the castle has survived a six month siege, it was an important base in the War of the Roses and hosted queen Elizabeth 1st. Today it's managed by English Heritage and hosts jousts and re-enactments as well as themed days. Non members pay entry. Café and facilities on site. Open 10:00 - 17:00 mon to fri.

Kenilworth's impressive 12th century Norman keep, still a dominant feature today, would have been the heart of castle life for 500 years. A defensive powerhouse, it was built three stories high and with walls 14 feet wide. Entry is paid or with English Heritage membership, but the view of the castle from the road is good.

A 14th century castle in the village of Baginton, Warwickshire in the English Midlands. It now stands in ruins, and this website is dedicated to those volunteers and benefactors who are conserving what remains for future generations. The original building is believed to have been constructed on the site in the 11th century, at the time of King Henry I. It was rebuilt as the current castle in the late thirteen hundreds by Sir William Bagot, a distinguished nobleman of the time. He is thought to have entertained many distinguished guests there, including the Duke of Hereford (later Henry IV). The castle subsequently passed through several hands, and eventually became derelict in the 16th Century. It remains so to this day, but in the middle of the last century excavation work was carried out to expose the remains. In the last few years there has been renewed interest in the castle. The remains have been consolidated and the whole site opened up to expose other historic features. An education visitor centre has been built, a picnic area added and woodland walks constructed for the many visitors who have visited the castle since it was opened to the public 2009.

Renowned for its Norman motte-and-bailey castle, which is known locally as 'the Tump', Brinklow is a historic Warwickshire village. The castle is one of the best preserved of its type in the country. The village sits on the Roman Fosse Way. Accommodation and a hot meal can be sought at the Bull's Head. Other tasty eateries include Pumpkins Deli and the Brinklow Fish Bar.