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
What year does Simon de Montfort die?
1265
When was the Siege of Kenilworth?
25th June 1266
How long did the Siege of Kenilworth last?
172 days
Who led the assault against the Castle?
King Henry III
What weapons did the King use against the castle?
Crossbows
Catapults
Stone Missiles
Why did King Henry III make a stand at Kenilworth?
Show authority as his position was insecure
How did King Henry III resort to religious warfare?
Brought a religious presence to show that God was on his side
What ended the siege of Kenilworth Castle?
Disease
Who took charge of Kenilworth after the Siege?
John of Gaunt
Who was John of Gaunt?
Royal Prince
One of the wealthiest and powerful men in the country
He had ambitions to be King
What features did John of Gaunt add to Kenilworth Castle?
Great Hall Kitchens Gaunts Tower Saintlowe Tower Strong Tower
What was the Great Hall?
Designed to be similar to Windsor Castle Beautifully carved entrance Impressive windows which had stone seats Tapestries were hung above the fireplace Company of musicians Was used for feasting
What was the Kitchens?
Twice the normal size 19.5m by 8m Catered for several hundred people Enormous fireplaces Cobbled floor Used to support feasting the great hall
What was Gaunt’s Tower?
Most important members of household staff usually dined
Private dining room
Private bedrooms for relaxation
Admiring the views
What was Saint Lowe Tower?
Further sets of apartments
Left of the Great Hall
Lord of the castle
Floors have been totally removed since the slighting
What was the Strong Tower?
First floor was the buttery and pantry
Second floor was the accommodation
Suite of Lodgings
Various spiral staircases
What was the castle’s purpose under John of Gaunt?
Show status and wealth
Who took control of Kenilworth after John of Gaunt?
Robert Dudley
Who was Robert Dudley?
Earl of Leicester
Close advisor to Queen Elizabeth
Who was Robert Dudley in love with?
Queen Elizabeth I
What was the scandal between Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth?
Robert Dudley was in love with the Queen but Robert had a wife who mysteriously was found dead at the bottom of the stairs. Rumour was she was killed so Robert Dudley could marry the Queen instead
What did Robert Dudley add to Kenilworth Castle?
Leicester’s Building
Leicester’s Gatehouse
Elizabethan Gardens
What was Leicester’s Gatehouse?
Grand new entrance
Gave access to easier routes to London
Entrances were wide
2 floors of lodgings
What was Leicester’s Buildings?
Constructed 1571-1572
Specifically built for the Queen
3 floors
Contained a dancing hall and apartments
What were the Elizabethan Gardens?
1575
Famous privy gardens
Fruit trees
Marble fountain
What other additions did Robert Dudley make?
Remodelled Henry’s lodgings
Hunting Grounds
Great Hall is still used at this time
What was the Castle’s purpose under Robert Dudley?
Palatial/Love Token
What was the English Civil War?
1642
War between Parliament (Parliamentarians) and King (Royalists)
How was Kenilworth Castle used during the English Civil War?
Accommodated Royalists soldiers
What happened to Kenilworth Castle after the English Civil War?
Parliamentarians took over the castle and slighted the North side of the keep to prevent rebellions
What happened to Kenilworth Castle in 1777?
Tourists took an interest and the first guide book was published
What happened to Kenilworth Castle in 1821?
Sir Walter Scott wrote a book on the castle which increased visitors
What happened to Kenilworth Castle in 1937?
Sir John Siddely bought the castle and paid for the upkeep
What happened to Kenilworth Castle in 1958?
John’s son gives the castle to Kenilworth town council
What happened to Kenilworth Castle in 1984?
English Heritage took over
