History of Warwick Castle

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle in Warwick, Warwickshire, England developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068. At this point, it was a wooden motte and bailey construct, eventually to be turned into a stone castle in the 13th century.

From 1088, the castle traditionally belonged to the Earl of Warwick, and it served as a symbol of his power. The castle was taken in 1153 by Henry of Anjou, later King Henry II. It has been used to hold prisoners, including some from the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century.

Warwick Castle was home to the powerful Earls of Warwick, including Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick, nicknamed ‘The Kingmaker’ for his role during the Wars of the Roses.

It was also at Warwick Castle that Edward IV was held prisoner in 1469 and it was later held by future King Richard III, the Duke of Gloucester in the 1480s.

The castle was held by the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War, and was unsuccessfully besieged by the Royalists in 1642.

Over the centuries several of the Earls of Warwick met untimely and violent deaths, including one executed for high treason in the Tower of London.

Warwick Castle was purchased by The Tussauds Group in 1978 and opened as a major tourist attraction.
History of Warwick Castle