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 | Towns of Warwickshire - Kenilworth |
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Kenilworth has existed since at least the time of the Domesday Book which refers to Kenilworth as Chinewrde, a small village in a clearing in the Forest of Arden.
In centuries gone by Kenilworth was at the centre of English power and politics due to the dominance of Kenilworth Castle. It is believed that one of the first English Parliaments was held here.
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Kenilworth Castle
The vast medieval fortress of Kenilworth Castle is one of the most spectacular castle ruins in England and set in vast grounds perfect for exploring.
The castle was constructed soon after the Norman conquest of 1066, and throughout history passed hands through many of the Kings of England. King John created the Great Mere, an enormous man-made lake that helped fortify the castle, and later Henry V built an isolated pleasure house known as the Pleasaunce on the far side.
The ruins are best known as the home of Robert Dudley, the great love of Queen Elizabeth I. Dudley created an ornate palace here to impress his beloved Queen in 1575.
During the English Civil war in 1649, Kenilworth Castle was destroyed and the great mere drained away by Oliver Cromwell's forces to ensure that it could not be used as a defensive fortress again.
Now cared for by English Heritage, it is regarded as the largest and finest ruined castle in England. It is open to visitors throughout the year and hosts a number of concerts and fireworks events.
The newly re-created Elizabethan Gardens, lost for 400 years, are now open to visitors once more. A paradise for garden lovers, wander through this sumptuous landscape as Queen Elizabeth I would have done herself.
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Places of interest
Although Kenilworth is best known for the ruins of Kenilworth Castle, other significant local landmarks include Kenilworth Clock, St Nicholas Church and Abbey Fields.
Kenilworth town is essentially split into two areas; the old and new parts of the town separated by Abbey Fields park. Old Kenilworth features picturesque twisting lanes and thatched cottages while the new part of Kenilworth has a lively night-life with a number of top quality restaurants and theatres.
Outside of Kenilworth to the west, mid-way to Lapworth, sits the grand stately homes of Baddesley Clinton and Wroxall Abbey. Long associated with Roman Catholic families, Baddesley Clinton has 3 priest holes and during the Elizabethan era was a haven for persecuted Catholics. It also has close associations with the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Visit the grand state rooms of Stoneleigh Abbey just outside the town.
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Nearby locations
Other nearby picturesque villages and hamlets include Stareton and Leek Wootton. The city of Coventry lies just north of the town.
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For further information on Kenilworth see www.kenilworthweb.com
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