Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth, England

Site is open to the public. Opening may be limited, please check Visitor Information for any restrictions.

Brief description of site

The grounds of the medieval Kenilworth Castle occupy about 120 hectares, and include an early-15th-century pleasaunce, a late-16th-century castle garden, and an artificial lake with shore walks. There is a formal Tudor knot garden within the castle. The garden was laid out by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, for the visit of Queen Elizabeth I in 1575.

A five-year restoration project to return it to the original design has just been completed (May 2009).

Brief history of site

The castle was founded by Geoffrey de Clinton in the 1120s. In the mid-14th century the Castle passed by marriage to John of Gaunt, who undertook an ambitious programme of rebuilding. In the early-15th century Henry V constructed the Pleasance or banqueting house to the north-west of the Great Mere. In 1563 the site was granted by Elizabeth I to Robert Dudley, who made extensive alterations and embellishments to the Castle, including constructing new gardens. The Queen was entertained at Kenilworth on three occasions before Dudley's death in 1588.

Location information:

OS Landranger Map Sheet Number:	151	Grid Ref:	SP278 723
Latitude:	52.34807	Longitude:	-1.593312

Key information:

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