There are nearly 1,000 years of history at this great castle, situated in magnificent grounds overlooking the River Arun in West Sussex and built at the end of the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel.
The oldest feature is the motte, an artificial mound, over 100 feet high from the dry moat, and constructed in 1068: followed by the gatehouse in 1070. Under his will, King Henry I (1068-1135) settled the Castle and lands in dower on his second wife, Adeliza of Louvain. Three years after his death she married William d’Albini II, who built the stone shell keep on the motte. King Henry II (1133-89), who built much of the oldest part of the stone Castle, in 1155 confirmed William d’Albini II as Earl of Arundel, with the Honour and Castle of Arundel.
Apart from the occasional reversion to the Crown, Arundel Castle has descended directly from 1138 to the present day, carried by female heiresses from the d’Albinis to the Fitzalans in the 13th century and then from the Fitzalans to the Howards in the 16th century and it has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years. From the 15th to the 17th centuries the Howards were at the forefront of English history, from the Wars of the Roses, through the Tudor period to the Civil War.
The building we see now owes much to Henry, 15th Duke of Norfolk (1847-1917) and the restoration project was completed in 1900. It was one of the first English country houses to be fitted with electric light, integral fire fighting equipment, service lifts and central heating. The gravity fed domestic water supply also supplied the town.
It really does look a stunning castle. I love the valerian and ox-eye daisies – so colourful.
I loved seeing the flowers on the bank below the castle
That is a real castle in my eyes, Cherry. What a great place to visit. That dining hall looks very inviting.
The dining room is still used but not with the elebarate tableware as shown in this photo.
Spectacular photos, CP. I was taken to Arundel Castle as a child and have a memory of being impressed by the armoury and how heavy chain mail was! I have driven past so often on the A27 when I lived in the south and have been meaning to revisit for years. It’s a favourite part of the world, too.
You really should revisit Arundel. The castle is spectacular but there are other things of interest to find within this small town.
I didn’t visit the castle.
Maybe next time.
It is well worth a visit.