Britain’s ultimate castle: Warwick castle

The origins of Warwick Castle can be traced back to the Saxon fortification which Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, used to defend against the invading Danes. The first castle to appear on the site was a wooden motte and bailey constructed in 1068 at the command of William the Conqueror. Throughout the middle ages, under successive Earls of Warwick, the Castle was gradually rebuilt in stone. By the 14th century, it was a towering mediaeval fortress and the stronghold of the mighty de Beauchamp family. Later, as the Castle declined in military importance, the main living quarters were converted into a residence of rich and sumptuous style that reflected the wealth and status of its owners. Attacked in 1264, beseiged in 1642 and damaged by fire in 1871, the Castle has nevertheless gloriously survived the ever-changing fortunes of history, and stands today as the most impressive of England's ancient fortresses. The Castle was home to the Earls of Warwick until 1978. Since then, extensive restoration work has been carried out and substantial areas of the Castle, which were previously closed to the public, have been opened.