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 Season 1
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Uncovering the Enigma: Bletchley Park
Bletchley Park is now internationally famous as the home of the code-breakers during World War Two. But the endeavours of Alan Turing, Dilly Knox and their colleagues were so top secret that we are only now beginning to learn how they really lived day-to-day in this magnificent house, where – beh...
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A Tour of Fishbourne Palace
In 1960, a man was laying a waterpipe underneath the quaint village of Fishbourne near Chichester, West Sussex, when he uncovered what looked like Roman remains. After he duly reported the discover, the archaeologists were called in and they quickly unearthed more and more prestigious finds. They...
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A Tour of the Althorp House Art Colle...
Situated in the heart of Northamptonshire, Althorp House is one of the most magnificent stately homes in Britain. Since the sixteenth century it has been the home of the Spencers, a family with a prestigious history that only a handful of ménages can match. Charles I, Sarah Churchill, Winston Chu...
