Photos courtesy of Rob Tysall
May half term was a real treat, says Ann Evans, as Kenilworth Castle welcomed visitors to its first event of the summer.
The sun shone on the ruins of Kenilworth Castle over the half term holiday and families certainly appreciated getting out in the in the fresh air; plus of course, being able to enjoy a fun day out once more.
The atmospheric and beautiful Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire provided a perfect setting for kids and adults to step back in time to medieval and Tudor times. A medieval encampment had set up in the grounds, welcoming visitors to learn all about weaponry of those times, to watch craftsmen at work, to experience a medieval kitchen and to discover what life was like back in ye olden days. There was even a travelling knight, a princess and a jester named Peterkin to encounter.
Kenilworth Castle is one of England’s most spectacular castles. It was first built in the 1120s and has been a royal castle throughout its history. King John, John of Gaunt, Henry V and Queen Elizabeth I are all associated with the castle. Over its 900-year history it has been embellished and fortified by its succession of regal residents. At one time it was surrounded by a massive man-made lake. It was also at the heart of the longest siege in English Medieval History which lasted 172 days.
Amongst the many kings and queens associated with the Kenilworth castle, Queen Elizabeth I stayed there four times during her reign. In 1563 she granted the castle to her favourite, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. It was he who created a beautiful garden with fountains, sculptures and an aviary of exotic birds in her honour.
Discover more: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/kenilworth-castle
