Kenilworth Castle is one of the great historical sites of the United Kingdom. First built in the 1120s and a royal castle for most of its history, it was expanded by King John, John of Gaunt and Henry V. In 1563 Elizabeth I granted it to her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who converted the castle into a lavish palace fit to entertain his queen.
Although the castle?s fortifications were dismantled in 1650, many of the buildings remain unaltered since Elizabeth I?s reign, and the spectacular ruins reveal much of Kenilworth?s medieval and Tudor past.
Read a comprehensive overview of the history of the castle, from its Norman origins through its long connection with many English monarchs.
Find out how Henry III?s assault on Kenilworth Castle, which began on 25 June 1266, turned into the longest siege in English medieval history.
Discover how Henry V escaped the burdens of kingship with the help of a secluded lodge across the mere at Kenilworth Castle.Castle Green, Kenilworth CV8 1NG, UK