Location
England is a country in north-west Europe and is the largest and most populated constituent country
of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The town of Warwick is situated near
the centre of England, 8 miles from Stratford-upon-Avon. Warwick Castle is the finest medieval
castle in England, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United Kingdom.
Short history
William the Conqueror built the first castle at Warwick, in 1068. Over the years the castle was gradually rebuilt
in stone, and by the late 14th century a general reconstruction of Warwick Castle took place, and it is mainly
work from this period that has survived to the present day. An imposing gatehouse and barbican were
incorporated, enormous towers soaring from each angle of the north-east front curtain, and a range of
magnificent domestic buildings were created along the east curtain above the steep cliff to the river. Several
subsequent remodellings and restorations have resulted in a display of quality and splendour that could match
any stately home.
Warwick Castle has witnessed murder and violence, suffered attack, experienced wars, and been involved in
royal and political treachery. Furthermore, The Wars of the Roses which began in the 1450's have a lot to do
with Warwick Castle. Warwick Castle under Richard Neville supported the Yorkists and when the Yorkists
won in 1461, Henry VI conferred the title of Earl of Warwick on Richard Neville in recognition of his
services to the King. As fortunes changed and allegiances proved difficult to maintain the Earl of Warwick
sided against Henry VI and took the King prisoner at Warwick Castle. In less turbulent times, it has played
host to Royalty, seen scenes of elaborate entertaining, and has been the setting for society gatherings.
The castle became dilapidated and in 1604 King James I presented Warwick castle to Sir Fulke Greville who
completely transformed it into a luxurious palace. This marked a split between the castle and the title of Earl
of Warwick as the title of Earl of Warwick was conferred on Lord Rich and it remained in his family until
1759.
When the grounds were landscaped, and the gardens established in the 18th century, the remains of the
octagonal shell keep became a feature on 'the mound', and the rooms of the splendid castle-cum-palace were
filled with fine furniture and art. The castle was home to the Earls of Warwick until 1978 when it was bought
by the Tussaud's Group.
History today
The castle was home to the Earls of Warwick until 1978 when it was bought by the Tussaud's Group. The
castle has since been extensively restored, and the expertise of the Tussaud's Studios has been used to
create wax figures that help portray life in the castle during different periods of its history.
After one thousand years of making history, the immense strength and proportions of Warwick Castle make it
a formidable sight even for today's visitor in peacetime. For the fit, the steep ramparts and huge 14th century
towers are fully explorable. Caesar's Tower is an incredible wall-tower, five storeys high, with a double
parapet, rising to some 150ft (45.5m) from the base of its plinth. In the lowest chamber was the vaulted
dungeon, a grim and daunting place for prisoners facing any length of confinement. Guy's Tower also has five
vaulted levels internally, but the apartments contained within were designed more with comfort in mind. It is
an unusual twelve-sided construction, with a machicolated crown, and appears to rise higher than Caesar's
Tower because it starts at courtyard level.
Warwick Castle really is the ultimate experience for 'living' our history, with every section of the castle
highlighting a different period to experience. A wonderful place, and a great day out.
Photos
Castle Map
Legend
Ghostly Warwick
The atmosphere of magnificent Warwick Castle is redolent of secrecy, mystery and intrigue, and to enter the
spooky, 14th century Ghost Tower is a somewhat scary experience. Decorated in Jacobean style, with a gateway
leading from the base to the river, this tower is said to be haunted by the restless spirit of Sir Fulke Greville,
who was murdered there by his manservant.
A prominent Elizabethan-Jacobean courtier, Greville lived from 1554 to 1628 and was a gifted poet. Warwick
Castle was granted to him in 1604 by James I, and he was at one time Chancellor of the Exchequer. On leaving
this post in 1621, he was raised to the peerage and given the title of Baron Brook.
The castle had fallen into a state of advanced decay, and from the date he acquired it until his death, Greville
devoted his time and fortune to its restoration. The gardens he planted were said to be unparalleled in this part
of England, though during the Civil war they were dug up for gun emplacements by the garrison defending the
castle.
Inside the gloomy Ghost Tower, creaks, groans and mutterings emanate from dark doorways as one explores
the two rooms, one up one down, in which Greville lived whilst the castle was undergoing repairs. As one climbs
the stairs to the bedroom, low voices, recounting the chilling tale of the murder, penetrate the inky blackness.
They tell how, while Greville and one of his man-servants are away in London, an argument breaks out between
the two men. It concerns the contents of Greville's will, Ralph Heywood, the manservant, being convinced that
his master, however generous in his plans for the restoration of the castle, has been less so towards himself.
Believing that Greville has not bequeathed to him his rightful due he draws a knife and stabs Sir Fulke; after
which, realizing the enormity of the deed he has committed, he turns the blade on himself and dies immediately.
Greville, however, lingers on in agony, until after 27 days, despite the efforts of his surgeons, he too succumbs.
His body is brought from London back to Warwick Castle, and he is laid to rest in St. Mary's Church in the town.
His ghost, it is said, still haunts the tower that was once his home; for dying an unnatural death, his soul is said
to be unquiet. On his death, Greville being unmarried and without heirs, the estate goes to his adopted heir,
Robert Greville, the second Lord Brooke.
Exploring Warwick Castle takes the visitor back over thousands of years of history. In particular, one may tour
the recently opened 'Kingmaker's' exhibition with its realistic scents and smells. Here is brought to life a
medieval household preparing for the final battle of Warwick the Kingmaker, who is shortly to die.
Students: Niculae Dana Andreea, 16 years old
Roscan Rodica, 16 years old