13/11/2025
Warwick castle is in the county of Warwickshire, England, along the river Avon.
Originally a timber fort built by the Anglo-Saxons around the early 900’s to counter Viking incursions, it was rebuilt almost 250 years later into a stone-built castle.
It held a strong strategic position overlooking the valley and the river crossing.
In the late 1300’s the castle’s defences were significantly enhanced with a gatehouse, a barbican (fortified gateway), and additional towers.
In the early 1480’s, King Richard III began construction of further enhancements in the form of two gun towers.
Not long after it fell into ruin for about 100 years before being converted into a country house in the early 1600’s, and the interiors modernised in the early 1670’s.
In 1871 a fire ran through the castle, gutting much of the interior. It was said to have been started by a thieving butler. The main structure was undamaged, and it was completely repaired for approximately 9700 pounds (approximately 1.2m pounds as of 2024).
The castle had been the focus of visitors since the end of the 17th century, but they had become a nuisance by 1885, with the castle being closed.
However just 15 years later it reopened with a ticket office and official tour guide.
And through the last 120 odd years, the tourist potential has been expanded upon, until today, where it is a very busy location with many events held regularly.
Website link below to castle info:
https://www.visitwarwick.co.uk/warwick-castle/
