Warwick Castle

After leaving the Cotswolds area, we traveled north through the historic, charming, and touristic town of Stratford-Upon-Avon ... yes, that town where Shakespeare was born and lived with his wife, Anne Hathaway ... and yes it's on the River Avon.

Continuing north and not far from Stratford-Upon-Avon is the town of Warwick, which contains an excellent example of a medieval castle of the 14th and 15th-century used as an 18th and 19th-century residence.  The experience is a bit like a theme park with its many shows ... but overall a great experience into a past time.

Warwick Castle's earliest beginning was around 1070 when the daughter (Ethelfleda) of Alfred the Great had a fortification built ... next William the Conqueror wanted to consolidate the Norman Conquest (1066) and improved on the fortification.  Throughout the 14th and 15th-centuries the castle was rebuilt toward the current configuration.  Many of the English kings and heirs that we know were associated with Warwick Castle, such as Edward, Richard, Henry, James and Elizabeth.  

In 1268, the castle ownership was passed on to William de Beauchamp, which began a dynasty that lasted for 148 years and brought Warwick Castle to the height of its fortunes.  The refurbishment of the castle began in the 17th century ... and by 1800, the castle was transformed into the look it has today.  In the 1890's, led by Frances (known as Daisy), Countess of Warwick, the Castle was a favorite retreat for many of the most important persons in late Victorian society.  The castle was sold in 1978 and became today's visitor attraction.

Outside wall, tower and portion of the Warwick Castle

Rampart and tower of the castle

Looking from one tower to the other

De Beauchamp family crest

Town of Warwick (from castle view)

Bedroom in 1898

Another bedroom in 1898

... and another bedroom

Wax figure (with Kathy)

Mill and engine house on the River Avon (below castle)

Remains of bridge on the River Avon (below castle)