Warwick Castle sits about 15 miles from our house, and was originally a wooden structure built in 1068, by command of William the Conqueror. Throughout the Middle Ages, it was gradually rebuilt into a stone castle. After its military importance began to decline, Warwick Castle was converted into a residence palace of the very wealthy--and eventually of the Earls of Warwick. It is definitely one of the more touristy sites we have visited, but still impressive and really interesting nonetheless.
 |
| What can I say. . .they were getting a little rowdy! |
 |
| The hill is called "The Mound"--built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and because of is the perfect vantage point, was the most important part of the castle's defence system. |
 |
| This is one of the nice things about the more touristy locations. . you get a little more for the kids! |
 |
| He reminded us of Maximus from "Tangled"--a fan favorite at the Brummel house! |
 |
| the State Dining Room. . .George IV and Edward VII dined here and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert had lunch here. . . |
 |
| . . .and of course Her Majesty, as well!! |
 |
| I assume Henry VIII and his wives in the Green Drawing Room |
 |
| The Chapel, built in the 1600s--families of the Earls would have worshiped here, as well as the servants, who would have had to stand behind a screen (in the sight of God, but out of sight of their masters) |
 |
| The Princess Tower was fun for the girls; the Princess Arabella lived there and we got to watch a little demonstration of the Princess and her sister preparing for Arabella's upcoming royal wedding. |
 |
| Peacock Garden |
 |
| We got to watch a jousting/battle re-enactment. . very fun! Sat and ate our lunch on the bank of a small pond and watched the show. |
 |
| It's okay, Charlotte and Maggie. . .they aren't really fighting! :) |
 |
| View of the Central Courtyard from Guy's Tower--built in the 14rh century. The staircases throughout this tower and the other were all spiral and at times very narrow both in the width of the passage and also the stairs themselves. And there weren't handrails. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
|
|
