Warwick Castle..

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We recently had a short break to the Cotswolds,with our Goy friends,Carole and Harry,and this is one of the places included in our Itinerary..and what a wonderful place it is..

I will start by giving you a few Historical facts.
It dates back to 914,and Anglo Saxon times,when Ethelfreda,the daughter of Alfred the Great ,established a Motte-Bailey (Mound-enclosed courtyard)but the present one is part of the later Norman fortifications,but still known as Ethelfreda’s Mount..

Poor Carole..and she had only had a cup of tea ! :o)

On to the Main Castle now..
Built in 1068 by William the Conqueror.
during the 100 years war,the facade opposite the town , was fortified,and became one of the most recognisable
examples of 14th century of military Architecture.It was used as a stronghold until the early
17th century,when it was granted to Sir Fulke Greville,
by James the !st,
In 1804 it was converted into a country house by the Greville family,who became the Earls of Warwick in 1759 until 1978,when it was bought by the Tussaud organisation..so you will see many of their models, as we take a look around..but very tastefully done,we thought..
So,off we go..through the gates..and into the great Hall..you could be some time! I have taken photo’s of the information boards along the way,so I didn’t forget them..and it’s less for you to trawl through..:o) Sorry some of the photo’s look quite dark,as some rooms were dimly lit..

I didn’t take a photo of Charles II,as I mainly wanted to remember the name of the room..

Hello..are you still with us? :o) not much more now ..
Have a breather and take in the view before we move on !Lol.

The boys look slightly underdressed next to King Henry !

He needed a cuddle :o)

moving on…

We are now entering the rooms with models by Madame Tussaud’s,and they looked very authentic ,and added interest..the Drawing room Library.Ladies and Gents rooms with their ladies maids and valets..everyday life in fact..

A beautiful Ceiling..

..and a life of luxury…for some!

Preparing my Lady’s bath…

minding the baby..

..and how long would it take him to fill his Masters bath? This was almost taken from behind him..but thought we had better not ! Lol…very tempted though :o))

..especially with a young Winston Churchill watching us!

Another view,before we went back outside…to look around the grounds..and time had passed all too quickly,as there was so much more to look at..and had already spent three hours there..just time to look at the Gaol ,which was very sad to think of the poor people who had perished in there..such cruelty..

It was time to go back to our coach,but we just had a quick look in one of the gardens on the way,and saw the last part of the Birds of Prey display..would we go again ? Definitely..! still the Dungeons and much more to see..
An Entertainment division of Tussauds (Merlin ) was successfully voted out in their bid to have a Theme park
here,thank goodness..but they have taken over some parts,to attract more visitors..eg,the Dungeons with guided tours,and the inevitable tatty gift shops,and other money spinners..but on the whole,it didn’t detract from the lovely day we had ..
The best view of The Castle in all it’s splendour,is only able to be seen from the main route into Warwick town ..and as we had to park round the back,I couldn’t take a photo of it..but I hope you have enjoyed this very long blog..I had meant to do it in two parts,but I thought it would have broken the continuity,..sorry folks..but I do get carried away sometimes..:o)
Not bad for a free day out though ! Lol.

5 Dec, 2013
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Comments

Drc726

Thank you for that. Its over 30 years since I visited, the sets may have changed but not the settings. It is a truly wonderful place.

5 Dec, 2013

Cottagekaren

Loved the waxworks...brilliant!

5 Dec, 2013

Neellan

Superb tour Bloomer thank you for sharing your day with us and all the imformative boards were helpful in setting the scene, The models were very realistic you naughty girls thinking of embarassing the butler thank goodness Winston had a calming effect on you - or was it he who sent you to the stocks!! great place to visit :o)

5 Dec, 2013

Warwick Castle..

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