Warwick Castle

medieval castle · English history · architecture

Built by William the Conqueror. In 1068, just after he conquered England, William the Conqueror ordered a wooden fort to be built at Warwick overlooking the River Avon. This motte-and-bailey castle was designed so soldiers could defend the land from a tall wooden tower on a raised mound.

Rebuilt in stone. During the 1100s, people replaced the wooden fort with sturdy stone walls that could last much longer and withstand attacks better. This made Warwick Castle into the kind of powerful fortress we imagine from storybooks.

Refortified during war. In the 1300s, during the Hundred Years War between England and France, the castle's front walls were rebuilt with even stronger defenses. It became one of the most famous examples of 14th-century military architecture that visitors can still see today.

Became a country house. In 1604, King James I gave the castle to Sir Fulke Greville, who transformed it from a military stronghold into a comfortable home for his wealthy family. The Greville family owned it for nearly 400 years until 1978.