Warwick Castle

Yesterday we visited Warwick Castle (pronounced war-ick) in the city of Warwick on the river Avon. Warwick is about an hours drive northwest from Oxford and a neighboring town to Stratford-upon-Avon, the home of William Shakespeare. The gates opened at 10 am and we arrived at 11 am, thinking that 7 hours is plenty of time to experience the castle.

The view of the castle after passing through the Disney-esque ticket queues.

A fortification has been on the castle site since AD914 and the modern castle was started when William the Conqueror (William I) ordered a mound to be built in 1068.

We found a method to keep Matthew from wandering away. Don't worry, we came back for him.

We entered the castle grounds through the old stable, which is now the ticket and souvenir sales area. It reminded me of a Disney park with it's queues and signs for the different attractions. We purchased the basic tickets because the scary dungeon, princess tower, and dragon tower attractions were not of interest. While I was purchasing the tickets, Matthew and Lori explored the souvenir shop and Matthew found a large wooden broadsword that he wanted.

This bowman was outside the front gate telling stories of bowman (archers), the English civil war, and shooting the longbow at the French targets on the bank (in background). He threatened to shoot Matthew if we, the crowd, didn't cheer for him. I think he was kidding; we cheered.

The trebuchet. I took a video of the uniformed cast firing the contraption but the quality was not very good. Click on this  text to see a demonstration.

The castle was impressive; well restored with people in period costumes walking around. We saw a trebuchet fired, an eagle flying for it's trainer, the ornate interior rooms, and the wax museum story of the Kingmaker and Earl of Warwick during the English civil war, Richard Neville. Climbing the tower and walking the outer wall was a treat, although scary high. It is hard to imagine how anyone could capture the castle, although it did happen once.

The view from the top of William the Conquerer's mound that makes up one side of the castle. The front gate is in the center behind the courtyard.

Sir Matthew in the courtyard. Yes, he got his sword. Guy's Tower is in the background. We climbed to the top of ALL of the towers.

Sir Matthew in the wax museum, preparing for the Battle of Barnet with a friend.

I had to get in the act, too. I am helping Richard Neville inspire his troops before the battle. However, I would not go with them because I know how the battle ends.

We stayed almost until closing time and went home tired and inspired to learn more about the English Civil War; after tea, of course.

Tea in the quaint town of Warwick, just outside the castle grounds. 22 varieties of loose leaf tea, bone china, and home-made cakes were featured at this tea house. We are starting to look forward to tea time. Click here to see the menu.