Warwick — A Journey into Medieval England
By Marilyn Loeser
Just because it’s a cold, damp, cloudy winter day doesn’t
mean it’s not the perfect time to explore a chapter in England’s history.
In fact, somber weather can actually add to the experience
as you stroll along the medieval streets of Warwick and visit its castle perched
on the edge of the River Avon.
 The Warwickshire destination is an architectural gem.
Founded in the 1st century by Ethelfleda, sister of Edward the Elder, it was
used as a defense against Danish invaders.
 Perched on a small hill, villagers could easily keep watch
over the river valley and anyone attempting to cross on their way to London,
Stratford, Coventry and the salt way to Droitwich.
There’s a lot to explore in the town including several
buildings of historic interest. Although many of the central streets were
destroyed in the Great Fire of 1694, several buildings survived including the
town's Guildhall, now the Lord Leycester Hospital, as well as a group of
timber-framed buildings around Oken's House.
Warwick and its historic buildings have been featured in
several BBC-TV dramas including Dangerfield, Pride and Prejudice and Tom Jones.
What to see
Several interesting and historically significant sites are
open to visitors.
Collegiate Church of St Mary located in Old Square, for
example, is famous for its Beauchamp Chapel, and medieval and Tudor tombs and
tower.
Hill Close Gardens offers a network of individual gardens.
Charming summer houses, gnarled fruit trees, and flowers welcome guests during
warmer months.
 The
Warwickshire Museum, in the heart of town, houses archaeology, geology and
natural history exhibits.
But it’s the castle that’s the most popular attraction in
the village.
Started as an earthen rampart to protect the village in
914, William the Conqueror later added a moat and timber stockade.
In 1088, Henry de Beaumont was appointed 1st Earl of
Warwick. From this time until 1978, the castle was continuously occupied by the
Earl and their families.
 Over
the centuries, stone replaced wood, the castle grew, towers were added and
fortunes made.
History shows the Earls were interwoven into social and
political events — for better or worse. For example, in 1445, the standing Earl
of Warwick — Richard de Beauchamp — supervised the trial of Joan of Arc for
supposed heresy and her subsequent by burning in the market place at Rouen,
France.
The Earls also were visited by royalty — Queen Elizabeth I
in 1572, King William III in 1695 and Queen Victoria in 1858. More recently:
Diana, Princess of Wales in 1986 and The Queen and Prince Phillip in 1996.
Visiting the Castle
 Until
1978, the castle was privately owned and tours were offered as a means of paying
for the immense expenses associated with such a large estate.
“When I visited in 1962, the Earl — Charles Guy Greville —
showed me through the castle,” said a friend of mine, Paul Landfair, when I told
him about my visit to Warwick.
 Warwick Castle was a member of the
Treasure Houses of England, a heritage consortium founded by ten of the
foremost stately homes in England still in private ownership with the aim of
marketing and promoting themselves as tourist venues.
Later, Warwick Castle was sold to
the Tussauds Group, a large visitor attraction business.
 With
history preserved and attraction-friendly additions made, it’s easy to let your
imagination lead the way as you wander the grounds, living quarters and museum
space.
 Even
the dungeon offers its own brand of history. One of the Royalists soldiers,
imprisoned here during the Civil War in 1642, left behind a note scratched on
the wall.
A visit to the Ghost Tower tells another tale of horror.
Fulke Greville was murdered in 1628 by a servant, who believed he’d been cheated
in Greville’s will. After stabbing Greville, Ralph Heywood turned the knife on
himself. Greville, buried
 at
St. Mary’s Church in Warwick, is said to haunt the tower in which he lodged.
The tower was featured on TV’s Most Haunted.
 This year, between March 31 and October 28, the tower will
be transformed into a chilling live-action experience using a mix of live
actors, sound, visual and lighting effects to re-enact the true story of
Greville’s murder. Warwick Ghosts — Alive may be unsuitable for children under
eight or “anyone of a nervous disposition” according to castle information.
Changes made by
the Tussauds Group include The Royal Weekend Party. With its famous
Tussaud’s Studios wax portraits, is almost unnerving in its realism.
 Family quarters are set up as if guests are
readying for a grand affair. As if looking at a three-dimension painting,
servants, guests and hosts go about their lives as if suspended in time.
If you go:
It’ll probably take you more than one visit to see it all.
 The
Kingmaker exhibit illustrates how the household helped the Earl prepare for
battle in the 15th century.
 Other
towers, the curtain walls where archers stood watch, the mill and engine house,
and the gardens during warmer months all lend different views or one family, one
location and much history during your visit.
For more information about visiting Warwick and the
surrounding area, check the website:
www.shakespeare-country.co.uk.
For more information on visiting Warwick Castle, check the
website:
warwick-castle.co.uk.
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