Arundel Castle is one West Sussex’s greatest attractions with a history spanning nearly a thousand years. It has its roots in Norman times, originally built at the end of the 11th century by the then Earl of Arundel, Roger de Montgomery. The keep Montgomery created was initially made out of wood, but was later replaced by stone. Since then the castle has been owned by several notable families including the d’Abinis, the Fitzalans and the Howards – the latter being especially famous during the Tudor Period. In the mid-seventeenth century Arundel castle became a central stage during the opening period of the English Civil War - it was first besieged first by the Royalists, who successfully captured it, and later by the Parliamentarians. Despite suffering damage, the castle was repaired and has remained one of the most prestigious castles in Britain to this day. In this episode, Dan visits the beautiful Arundel Castle and explores its long, fascinating history: from explaining how soldiers went to the loo while besieged in the keep at the beating heart of the castle to viewing the golden rosary beads of Mary Queen of Scots. Arundel Castle is very much the jewel of West Sussex and one of Britain’s greatest historical treasures. Access All Areas is a History Hit TV Original series, going behind the scenes of some of the best history locations in Britain.
Up Next in Medieval Castles, Churches and Architecture
-
The English Parish Church: An Introdu...
In this introduction to the English Parish Church, Alice Loxton travels across the country to uncover some gems of England’s heritage. From the whitewashing of the Reformation to Wesley’s hymns to William Morris’ efforts to preserve the past, there is lots to discover. And Alice is joined around ...
-
Broadway Tower: A Folly of Delight an...
High on the peak of the Cotswolds stands one of the most remarkable buildings in Britain. Built as a folly in the final days of the 18th century, Broadway Tower sprung up during the height of the French Revolutionary Wars under the distracted watch of the architect James Wyatt. In the following y...
-
London's Oldest Medieval Crypts
If you imagine a Catholic military order from the Middle Ages, it’s likely to be the Knights Templar - popularised by Dan Brown’s fictional thriller, The Da Vinci Code
But in Medieval Europe, there was another, equally powerful religious society, which also had its English headquarters here in L...
