Arundel Castle

Great castle in West Sussex

Arundel Castle has the unusual distinction of being both an ancient castle and a stately home. Set high on a hill in West Sussex, this great castle commands the surrounding landscape with magnificent views across the South Downs and the River Arun. Built at the end of the 11th Century, Arundel Castle has been the family home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years.

Roger de Montgomery

Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, one of William the Conqueror's most loyal barons, founded the original castle on Christmas Day 1067. Roger de Montgomery was awarded a third of Sussex with the stipulation that a new castle he built near the mouth of the Arun to protect the approaches to Sussex from attack.
Apart from the occasional reversion to the crown, Arundel Castle is one of the longest inhabited country houses in England. It passed from he d'Albinis to the Fitzalans in the 13th Century and to the Howards in the 16th Century.

The Howards

The Howards were at the forefront of English history, from the Wars of the Roses through the Tudor period to the Civil War, and many of the treasures in view illustrate the important role they played in shaping our heritage.
In 1643 the Civil War, the original Arundel Castle was laid to siege and badly damaged by Cromwell. Restoration work began in the 18th Century and many of the original Norman features such as the crenellated Keep, the Barbican and the lower part of the Bevis Tower were recreated. In 1890 there was almost a complete rebuilding and the magnificent architecture in Gothic style is considered to be one of the great works of Victorian England.

Craftsmanship is evident throughout the castle

Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout the castle, typified by the rich mahogany paneling and vaulting that has marked out The Library as one of the finest Regency interiors in the world. As you climb the Grand Staircase you will find restored Bedrooms fitted with the original Victorian baths and basins and decorated with luxurious fabrics.

Treasures

Many of the treasures on show reflect the family's Catholic beliefs. In the Dining Room a display case contains personal possessions of many Queen of Scots, including a 16th Century prayer book with illuminations and the rosarybeads of gold and enamel which she carried to her execution. The Fitzalan Chapel, founded in 1380, is still used as the burial place of the Dukes of Norfolks and The Private Chapel is one of the most perfect monuments of the 19th Century Catholic Revival in England.
Arundel Castle has so much to offer that you will want to visit time and time again.

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More information

Castles Main Page
Arundel: A History of the Town and the Castle
Castles : Their Construction and History
Clun Castle