Kenilworth Castle Flashcards
Where is Kenilworth Castle located?
West Midlands
On a low sandstone hill
Near the point of 2 rivers joining
Why is Kenilworth Castle’s location significant?
Located in the middle of the country for easier access to all parts of England
Placed upon a hill so you could see for miles
Rivers can be used for transportation of goods
Who built Kenilworth Castle?
Geoffrey de Clinton
When was Kenilworth Castle built?
1120’s
Why was Kenilworth Castle built?
Henry I didn’t trust the owners of Tamworth and Warwick castle so Kenilworth was used to maintain peace
What features did Geoffrey de Clinton add to Kenilworth Castle?
The Stone Tower (Keep)
A Causeway
The Mere
What was the Stone Tower/Keep?
Dates back from 1124 Heart of the castle's defence Main residence Walls were 4.3 metres thick Roof span was 9 metres
What was the Causeway?
Across the valley
Created a dam
What was the Mere?
A large pond
military purposes
Supplied fish and ducks etc
Used for fishing
What was Kenilworth Castle’s purpose under Geoffrey de Clinton?
Defensive structure
It was designed to defend the local area and keep an eye on powerful locals lords on behalf of the King
Who claimed Kenilworth after de Clinton?
King John
How did King John change Kenilworth Castle?
Added the Outer-Bailey Walls
Expanded the Mere
Built Mortimer’s Tower
Built Lunn’s Tower
What was the Outer Bailey walls?
Circuit of stone walls around the castle
How was the Mere enlarged?
King John had the height of the dam raised
Created a body of 800m long and 150m wide
What was Mortimer’s Tower?
Gatehouse which controlled access to the outer court
Arrow slits
Vertical grooves for a portcullis
What was Lunn’s Tower?
Fish-Tailed arrow slits
Controls the North-East angle
2 upper floors
Contained a fireplace
How much did King John spend on Kenilworth Castle?
£1,115
What was Kenilworth Castle’s purpose under King John?
Defensive structure
What is a siege?
When a castle is surrounded so that essential supplies can be cut off forcing the castle to surrender
Who owned Kenilworth Castle during the Siege of Kenilworth?
Simon de Monfort
Who was Simon de Montfort?
King Henry III’s brother-in-law
What did Simon de Montfort add to Kenilworth Castle?
The Brays
What was the Brays?
A large defended outwork protecting the outer end of the dam