We visited Warwick Castle with our 12-year-old Kidsetter. Warwick Castle is a medieval castle developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068.
Warwick Castle was a strategically positioned castle as it is situated in the centre of the country, which makes it quick and easy to reach the north, south, east and west.
It is on the bank of the river Avon which good trade links and transportation means, as well as natural defence.
It is located on sandstone cliff which provides a natural defence and tactical advantages in battle.
It is positioned on the Fosse Way, a major through road from Lincoln, in the north, to Exeter in the south.
We commenced our tour of Warwick Castle in The Great Hall.
You can’t help but be instantly impressed by the vast display of Armour.
The foundations of the Great Hall date back to 14th century, but over the centuries it has undergone many changes. The Great Hall today dates to 1875 as a disastrous fire swept through the castle in 1871 and was built as a romanticised view of the medieval period. It was and still is today used to host grand parties, it also shows off the collection of the Earls of Warwick. Being the first room, many guests would see, it has to convey a sense of power and grandeur.
The average weight of a harness of armour from the 16th century would typically be 15 to 23kg.
Armour was often custom made and can be incredibly expensive. A very fine harness of amour could cost as much as 100,000 pounds in today’s money.
Equestrian armour is known as barding and not just used for protection, it is also used in parades and pageants.
Next we ventured by the very steep steps of the Guy’s Tower. It was built in the 14th century and was used to host guests of the earl.
The higher the status of the guest, the higher they resided in the tower. This tower, at first glance, appears to be the tallest tower of the Castle at 29 metres high. However, Caesar’s Tower, which starts from lower down, actually stands taller at 40 metres high.
Ramparts peer over the battlements where knights once fired arrows and climb the steps designed to ward off enemy soldiers. The view is simply spectacular.
Next, we watched he Falconer’s Quest Show – the UK’s most spectacular birds of prey show.
Featuring 60 majestic birds from all over the world.
Some birds had wingspans up to 9 feet ! We were seated alongside the river within the castle grounds and had to duck many times to avoid these incredible birds from the flight path.
Next we attended the Legend of the Trebuchet show.
A re-enactment of how Britain’s biggest siege machine saved Warwick Castle from being conquered.
The castle was under attack and it was up to a a group of peasants to mount a defence before it’s too late. We listened to the castle’s most unlikeliest hero’s retell the Legend of the Trebuchet.
Next, we had pre-booked a Dungeon Tour. This was definitely a highlight. We joined a cast of crazy characters as they hurtle through the horrible history of Warwick Castle. We were introduced to the resident Jester whom prepared us for our gruesome journey through 300 years of Warwick castle’s darkest history.
The judge decided our fate as to whether we ended up in the Execution room and this was hilarious. Each room we entered had a professional actor enacting and embellishing the castle’s history and it was educational, funny and exciting. Must warn though the last room learning about the tale of the “Cursed Castle” from the vengeful Witch was the scariest for our Kidsetter and he was pleased to exit. Not recommended for under 10-year-old Kidsetters. Enter if you dare !
We unfortunately ran out of time, you could easily spend a full day here. There was so many shows and attractions to see and explore. Such an exciting castle to visit.
