-
1122
Kenilworth Castle opened
-
Period: 1200 to 1266
New Defences
New, stronger defences consisting of stone walls and extensive water features were added by King John in the early 13th century, allowing the castle to withstand a full-scale siege over six months in 1266. -
1266
The siege of Kenilworth
The siege of Kenilworth, also known as the great siege of 1266, was a six-month siege of Kenilworth Castle and a battle of the Second Barons' War. The siege was a part of an English civil war fought from 1264 to 1267 by the forces of Simon de Montfort against the Royalist forces led by Prince Edward. -
1563
Elizabeth I granting the castle to Robert Dudley the Earl of Leicester
In 1563 Elizabeth I granted the castle to Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, who transformed Kenilworth into a magnificent palace. Famously he entertained the queen here for 19 days of festivities in 1575. -
Kenilworth Destroyed
The castle’s fortifications were dismantled in 1650 after the English Civil War.