Guidebook: Kenilworth Castle

Kenilworth Castle is one of the great historical sites of the United Kingdom. It was a royal castle for most of its history and its walls enclose a series of outstanding works of medieval and early Renaissance architecture. The first castle was established in the 1120s. In the early 13th century King John’s modifications to the castle created one of the most formidable fortresses in the kingdom, proved beyond doubt in 1266 when Kenilworth withstood the longest medieval siege on English soil. This revised third edition expands on the medieval history of the castle with a feature on the infamous French gift of tennis balls sent to Henry V at Kenilworth in 1415, provoking the invasion of Normandy which culminated in the spectacular English victory at the Battle of Agincourt.  The high point of the castle’s history came when it was bought by the Dudley family in the 16th century. Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, transformed the castle into a lavish palace fit to entertain Elizabeth I, who visited Kenilworth in 1572 and 1575. The Elizabethan garden and structure known as Leicester’s Building were particularly magnificent. The guide includes an extended section on the building, newly re-opened with viewing platforms that allow access to its upper storeys, including the queen’s apartments on the principal floor. This beautifully illustrated guide includes a detailed tour of the site, and its long history. Complete with plans, historical images and maps, the story of Kenilworth Castle is explored from its origins to the present day. Key Features: 52 pages Paperback Published in 2015