PAPER 3: CASTLES – FORM AND FUNCTION KENILWORTH CASTLE​

Question 1

In what decade was Kenilworth built and who was the original owner of Kenilworth Castle?

Answer 1

The 1120s. Geoffrey de Clinton I

Question 2

When it was first built, name three of its defensive features (buildings) and how thick was one of these features?

Answer 2

Stone Tower (The Keep) – 4.3m thick, Moat, Wooden Palisade (fence)

Question 3

How were the two streams dammed to create the Mere, and how was this strengthened to keep the Mere strong?

Answer 3

Building a causeway, adding the Brays

Question 4

When did King John improve the castle’s defences, and how much did he spend?

Answer 4

Between 1210 and 1215 he spent about £1,100

Question 5

Name some examples of the developments that John made to Kenilworth

Answer 5

Several wall towers were built including Mortimer’s Tower and Lunn’s Tower​
An extra floor was built on top of the Stone Tower​
More fish-tailed arrow loops. A small barbican was also probably added to protect the inner bailey gate. ​
He enlarged the mere by raising the height of the dam

Question 6

During which war and which battle was Simon de Montfort killed?​
Following which, who besieged Kenilworth, when and who was defending it?

Answer 6

The Second Barons Wars at the Battle of Evesham (4th August 1265)​
King Henry III, 21st June 1266, Simon de Montfort the Younger

Question 7

After the siege who did the King grant Kenilworth to?

Answer 7

Edmund “Crouchback” (son of Henry III) (Earl of Lancaster in 1267)

Question 8

What did John of Gaunt build and remodel and when?

Answer 8

A new great hall, with remodelled apartments, services and kitchens between 1373 and 1380

Question 9

Who commissioned the ‘the Pleasance in the Marsh’ and when?

Answer 9

Henry V, 1417

Question 10

In what years did Queen Elizabeth I visit Kenilworth, and what year was it slighted?

Answer 10

1566, 1568, 1572 and 1575. Slighted in 1650