Arundel Castle

In the rolling hills of West Sussex sits a truly remarkable icon of British history: the magnificent Arundel Castle. As you approach its imposing gates and take in the sweeping lawns and soaring Gothic architecture, you can feel the weight of its nearly 1,000 years of history.

From clashes in the barons’ wars to visits by Queen Victoria herself, Arundel Castle has witnessed periods of destruction and restoration, always emerging with its majesty intact. Its storied past gives us tantalizing glimpses into British life among nobility through the ages. Join me as we uncover the rich historical significance of this shining gem in England’s crown!

The Dawn of a Fortress: Arundel’s Early Days

Our story begins in 1067, when the groundwork was first laid for the imposing castle we know today. After William the Conqueror’s successful Norman invasion, the surrounding lands were granted to his loyal baron Roger de Montgomery. De Montgomery recognized the strategic value of this site overlooking the River Arun and ordered the construction of a motte and bailey castle to guard the south of England against invasion.

At the time, England was a turbulent realm of clashing nobles and roving raiders. Arundel Castle provided a crucial stronghold for its lord, who became the first Earl of Arundel. Inside its early walls, soldiers trained and sentries kept watch from the high stone towers. The castle withstood its first major test in the early 13th century, when it endured a damaging siege during the First Barons’ War. Though battered, its resolve remained firm.

Over the next two centuries, the castle evolved to contain new inner and outer wards and imposing gatehouses. Garrisons stationed there played a vital role guarding the southern coast during the Hundred Years War. We can imagine the bustling scene as armored knights prepared for battle and blacksmiths forged weapons in the roaring forge. Arundel Castle had cemented its status as a medieval powerhouse not to be trifled with.

Shifting Fortunes: The Castle Changes Hands

As England transitioned from the turmoil of the Middle Ages to an era of prosperity in the Tudor period, Arundel Castle remained a prized possession among noble families. For over 300 years it was held by the Earls of Arundel from the powerful FitzAlan family. But in 1580, the castle passed to the Howard family when the Earl’s daughter married Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk.

The Howards, a prominent Catholic family, faced a serious threat to their castle during the upheaval of the English Civil War in the mid-1600s. As forces supporting Parliament sought to overthrow King Charles I, Arundel found itself at the center of the action. For 18 long days, Parliamentary armies laid siege to the battered castle, which was valiantly defended by the royalist Howard family. Though the king’s supporters eventually surrendered, significant portions of the damaged castle were later demolished.

But this was not the end of the great house of Arundel. In the 18th and 19th centuries, after Catholic rights were restored, successive Dukes of Norfolk sponsored major efforts to restore the castle to glory. Architects worked to return it to a grand medieval vision, adding new towers, battlements and lavish Gothic interiors. Like the phoenix, Arundel Castle arose again in a new era.

A Noble Vision: The Castle as Aristocratic Home

After weathering periods of destruction and repair, Arundel Castle took on a new chapter starting in the mid-19th century – serving as an aristocratic family home reflecting the magnificence of English nobility.

For over 400 years, the stately castle has been the principal seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, a Catholic noble family boasting a prestigious lineage. Within the castle walls, priceless collections of art, furniture, and tapestries were amassed across generations. The Norfolk family welcomed prominent guests like Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who were awestruck by the castle’s grandeur.

Accounts from Victorian times provide a fascinating window into noble life at Arundel. Servants busily prepared sumptuous feasts for their noble masters and tended to the expansive grounds. Grand events with music and dancing lit up the castle’s Great Hall. Falconry, fox hunting, and cricket on the lawns kept the Duke’s family entertained for hours.

Today, Arundel Castle remains the home of the current Duke of Norfolk and his family, who regularly open its rooms and gardens for public enjoyment. The castle continues to represent the heritage of British aristocracy passed down through centuries of tradition.

War and Renewal

The sweeping tides of history continued to shape Arundel Castle’s fate even into the modern era. During World War II, the castle was commandeered to house British troops preparing for D-Day landings. Though it escaped bombing, a disastrous fire in 1944 severely damaged the castle’s boasted library.

The Castle in the 20th Century

In the post-war years, John FitzAlan Howard, the 17th Duke of Norfolk spearheaded major restoration efforts to return Arundel to glory once more. Works completed in the 1960s and 70s carefully repaired damage from the fire and updated facilities.

Arundel Castle remains the principal home of the current Duke of Norfolk. Continuing a centuries-old tradition, sections of this magnificent castle are open for public tours and events throughout the year. From its Norman foundations to the present day, it has survived over 900 years of dramatic highs and lows. This iconic stronghold retains its sense of magic and allure, ready to continue shaping history for centuries to come.

Enduring Majesty: The Legacy of Arundel

Our journey through the history of magnificent Arundel Castle has shown us the many vital roles this iconic site has played over nearly a millennium. As a crucial medieval fortress, it guarded England’s coast against invasion. It endured assault and alteration during periods of political turmoil, only to emerge reborn through restoration. Luminaries like Queen Victoria came to celebrate its grandeur and noble heritage. Though battered by time, it stands today as a proud reminder of Britain’s heritage.

From its commanding perch above the River Arun, Arundel has borne witness to the sweep of English history – both its periods of conflict and prosperity. Today, we can walk in the footsteps of knights and nobles through its Gothic halls and expansive gardens. Its rich past gives us a tangible connection to bygone eras of chivalry, romance and comfort.

Few British castles evoke such a visceral sense of history and grandeur. Arundel remains one of England’s most treasured historical sites, ready to inspire visitors for generations to come. Its enduring magic reminds us that while empires rise and fall, great architecture and culture leave an indelible mark on our civilization.

How to Find Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle, High Street, Arundel, Arun, West Sussex, England, BN18 9AB, United Kingdom

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