Kenilworth Castle

Yesterday was the last time Babah had to transform himself as a nocturnal creature. Getting back to a normal biorhythm has always been a difficult task for Babah. This time, with sheer determination, Babah strained his eyes and managed to stay awake for almost 24 hours, just to make up the time spent away from the family.

After a decent hours of sleep, we went to Kenilworth Castle. (Yes, you all. Another castle!)

As if we haven't had enough dose of castles, we have yet again visited another famous Castle in England. It was only 17 minutes away from our house by the A429 route.

An illustration of Kenilworth Castle by John Brandard, a Victorian lithographer

What is left now

We set off around 10am to the largest castle ruin in England. It was almost a straight road journey getting to the castle, but we still missed the entrance. There was a sign prior to the entrance "Parking 150 yards ahead". Still, we don't do Imperial system, you see.

We paid £5.90 per adult to see the remains of the red sandstone castle. We walked across a long bridge with steep exposed sides. It really felt like walking towards a real Castle. And the time I was thinking about it, Babah said there must have been a river or water surrounding the castle.

Babah was right. The castle has once sited on the most striking feature, the great lake, a kilometre long and half a kilometer wide, which surrounded the castle. It was an artificial lake or moat initially built for defence and pleasure. It has dried up over the years.

One could immediately see the thick foundation and walls purposely built in such way as a defence system for its occupants from attacks. And one surely imagine that the ruin has once been a magnificent standing building belonging to some high class titles.

Leicester's Building

The three storey masonry residential block built by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester to provide luxurious accommodation for important visitors to the Castle, like Queen Elizabeth I.

We were free to explore the site. Babah took Sarah to the top of John of Gaunt's Hall. Sarah really enjoyed the quest. And willingly clambered up and down the wooden flight of stairs second time around with her Mama.

The tall and long, stone carved windows at John of Gaunt's Hall. This section is named after him after he owned the building and rebuilt the state and reception room, including the Great Hall, used for entertaining, feasting and holding audiences.

The background is where the Castle kitchens and The Keep were. The remains of the ovens can still be seen in the surrounding walls. While The Keep has survived the longest siege in 1266, where eventually the Castle was forced to surrender just two days before they ran out of food and after the plague broke out.

In The Keep, looking over the ruin of The Saintlowe Tower.

Amar, ni bukan pantai! Ini masih lagi di dalam The Keep.

Groggy Babah infront of Leicester's Gatehouse

Currently, visitors are not allowed to enter this part of the heritage. But I did take a peek from the website what the inside looks like. The interior was of high class timber craft and architecture.

Leicester's Stable Block

A fine stable also built by Robert Dudley, befitting his position as Master of the Queen's horses. At present, is where you will find the only cafe and an exhibition of the Castle.

Probably this is the traces of the moat.

We have had a great day earlier today. Another unique experience for all of us at this historic place. I am now intrigued to watch Elizabeth: the Movie. A tale between the Virgin Queen Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley that occured here many hundred years ago.

Also, the famous visit by the Queen in 1575 was thought to have inspired William Shakespeare to write "A Midsummer Night's Dream". Oh my, I feel like reading that as well now.