Section 3: Lancaster Ownership (14th Century, John of Gaunt) Flashcards
Who took control of Kenilworth Castle in the 14th century?
John of Gaunt ? Duke of Lancaster, rich, ruthless, and radiating royal ambition.
What was John of Gaunt?s relationship to the king?
He was the son of Edward III and uncle to Richard II ? close to the crown but closer to a coup.
Why did John of Gaunt transform Kenilworth Castle?
Because warlords don?t do modesty. He wanted a palace of prestige and power ? not just stone, but status.
What was one of Gaunt?s most famous additions?
The Great Hall ? huge, intimidating, a place for banquets, backstabbing, and bragging rights.
What was the purpose of the Great Hall?
To impress, intimidate, and influence. Dining with Gaunt meant knowing you were beneath him ? and on his menu metaphorically.
How did Gaunt make the castle more luxurious?
He added private chambers, elegant windows, ornate fireplaces ? because even monsters like velvet cushions.
What architectural style was used in his improvements?
Gothic ? all soaring arches and shadowy splendour. Think: Dracula meets Plantagenet.
What does Gaunt?s redesign tell us about the purpose of castles in this period?
They were status symbols as much as strongholds ? fortress-fabulous.
How did Kenilworth reflect Gaunt?s ambitions?
It was part castle, part crown-substitute. He wanted power without the throne (yet).
What was the state of warfare at this time?
Siege warfare was evolving ? stone said survival, luxury said legitimacy.
How did the role of castles change under Gaunt?
Less blood, more ballroom. Still defensive, but now designed for display and dynasty.
What was the political context of Gaunt?s control?
England was spiralling toward dynastic conflict ? the roots of the War of the Roses were coiling underground.
How did Gaunt?s improvements reflect his personality?
The castle became a mirror of him: grand, grim, and built to last.
What happened to the castle after Gaunt?s death?
It passed to his son, Henry Bolingbroke, who would become Henry IV ? Kenilworth literally bred kings.
Why is Kenilworth important in understanding royal power in this period?
It shows how castles were power tools ? used not to defend against enemies, but to outshine rivals.
What is the symbolism of the Great Hall?
A place where power was paraded, not hidden ? Gaunt didn?t just rule, he performed it.
Was Kenilworth still a military fortress under Gaunt?
Yes, but now it was a military mansion ? a place for plotting and politicking in silken shadows.
