The site of Warwick Castle was first laid out by Ethelfleda, a woman warrior in 914, but was overtaken by William the Conqueror in 1068. William commissioned the beginnings of Warwick castle. Warwick castle was used as a stronghold until the earliest 17th Century when it was given to Fulke Greville by King James I as a gesture of friendship in 1604. It is said that King James wasn't well liked so he gave the castle to fortify Sir Greville's support.
The Greville family lived in Warwick Castle, gaining Earldom in 1759, until 1978 when it was sold due to the financial ruin of the Grevilles. The Grevilles were particularly known for their grand and expensive parties. Fulke Grenville spent approximately 20,000 pounds restoring the castle in his time. However, more emphasis was spending money on parties rather than the property.
In 1871, the castle caught fire in the main living apartments and reaching the great hall (the first room upon entering Warwick). The Grenvilles didn't have the money to pay for the repairs so they asked for donations from wealthier families and raised a pretty substantial sum. Instead of putting the money towards repairs, the Grenvilles had a week long party. Repairs, however, were completed slowly... and cheaply. Luckily for the Grenvilles, the Medieval period was popular so they were able to simplify the repairs and save money on decor by displaying their collection of Medieval weapons.
In Green Drawing Room, or the men's room, portraits cover the wall and are all just about the same size. On one side of the fire place, King Charles I hangs and on the other, his wife, Henrietta. While it may not seem strange, the two portraits in the same room, next to each other, it is! The two portraits, at one time, had been part of a single picture! The Grenvilles were so cheap as to cut already owned artwork down to size. Luckily, the pictures are not originals, but prints. There was even a room that was made up ONLY for the reigning King and/or Queen to stay.
Legend has it, Queen Anne was preparing to visit and sent her travel bed and furniture. The Grenvilles, of course, prepared a lavish party in honor of the queen. However, shortly before the expected arrival, the queen's servants returned to retrieve the queens travel things. The Grenvilles, out of anger locked the room and would not allow the queen's belongings to be removed. They believed it to be their compensation for the expenses they had incurred in the queen's honor. Or at least that's how the story goes. It wasn't until a few years that historians found out that the Grenvilles had FABRICATED the whole story.
However, unbeknownst to the Grenvilles, they unintentionally purchased what is now believed to be that Queen Anne's death bed! If only they had known, they would have had an even better story to tell their guests!
Unfortunately, when I visited Warwick Castle, it was rainy and slightly chilly. Most of the outdoor activities had been cancelled. Warwick did attempt the Birds of Prey exhibit, and for the weather conditions, I think the animals behaved pretty well. The grounds surrounding Warwick are beautiful, especially the Peacock gardens. The garden had many live peacocks roaming, and some were even in the trees!
UPDATE!!! MARCH 2016 UPDATE!!!
So, I returned to Warwick castle which proved to be just as good the second time as the first. What's more, I was able to see more of the shows, the bowman and the trebuchet. Both shows were great entertainment! I highly recommend taking the guided tour through the house and visiting the Time Tower. Again, the day was somewhat rainy, but not enough to ruin the shows.
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