UK and Europe

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle in Warwick, England, founded by William the Conqueror in 1068. The original wooden motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century by the de Beaumont family, the castle’s constables who became the earls of Warwick. During the Hundred Years War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th-century military architecture. The de Beaumont line died out in 1449, and the castle passed between different owners during the 15th-century Wars of the Roses.

Despite falling into decreasing disrepair, the castle was used as a stronghold until the early 17th century, when it was granted to Sir Fulke Greville by James I in 1604. Greville converted it to a country house. The castle was held by the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War and was unsuccessfully besieged by the Royalists in 1642. The Grevilles redeveloped the property during the 18th century, landscaping the grounds and developing more Gothic features; they were made the Earls of Warwick in 1759. Further work followed in the 19th century, including by the architect Anthony Salvin.Read more