Turn a corner on the A27, a few miles west of Brighton, and you'll discover the village of Arundel. You'll know you've found it. It's the most remarkable sight. On a hillside above the Arun River sits a small village dominated by a Norman castle and an enormous Gothic-style cathedral. Discoveries like this generally provide quick lessons in British history.
Arundel is no ordinary village. Its two landmarks immediately speak wealth, serious wealth. The first, Arundel Castle, is home to the 18th Duke of Norfolk and his family. The second, Arundel Cathedral, was commissioned by the 15th Duke of Norfolk in 1868 as a new Roman Catholic counterpart for the family castle.
The Duke of Norfolk is the premier Duke in the peerage of England. He holds the hereditary position of Earl Marshal, which has the duty of organizing state occasions such as the state opening of parliament and state funerals. For the last five centuries, both the Dukedom and the Earl-Marshalship have been in the hands of the Howard family.
The seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years has been Arundel Castle. Built in the 11th Century, the castle was seized by the crown in 1102. King Henry II who added on to the castle, in 1155 confirmed William d'Aubigny as Earl of Arundel, with the honor and the castle of Arundel. The castle is still owned by the Howard family today.
The vista that unfolds as you enter the main gate is awe-inspiring. Nestled atop a grass-covered hill is the most imposing structure. The castle looks every bit as it should. Turrets, towers, and a moat complete with a drawbridge all form part of the environs. We spent several enjoyable hours exploring the entire complex including the castle's Keep.
The circular Keep is the oldest part of the castle. It sits in the middle of the castle grounds on its own artificial hill. A guide explained that the hill was built from large blocks of chalk stacked to a height of almost 100 metres. A well was built at its edge ensuring water was available at all times. Access to the Keep is via a narrow stone rampart extending from the main castle complex. Between the parapets are there are glimpses of private apartments, sitting within a large green quadrangle.
The interior is decorated with all manner of antiques, artwork and other relics. The private chapel is perhaps the most memorable room in the castle. Looking much like a mini-cathedral, it is here that successive generations of Dukes and Earls are buried. The views over the town and coastal plains were equally memorable. We later learned that the Normans built a string of castles along the coast every few miles to deter invasion. It would seem that there are plenty more castles for us to explore in the coming months.
The Duke of Norfolk is the premier Duke in the peerage of England. He holds the hereditary position of Earl Marshal, which has the duty of organizing state occasions such as the state opening of parliament and state funerals. For the last five centuries, both the Dukedom and the Earl-Marshalship have been in the hands of the Howard family.
The seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for over 850 years has been Arundel Castle. Built in the 11th Century, the castle was seized by the crown in 1102. King Henry II who added on to the castle, in 1155 confirmed William d'Aubigny as Earl of Arundel, with the honor and the castle of Arundel. The castle is still owned by the Howard family today.
The vista that unfolds as you enter the main gate is awe-inspiring. Nestled atop a grass-covered hill is the most imposing structure. The castle looks every bit as it should. Turrets, towers, and a moat complete with a drawbridge all form part of the environs. We spent several enjoyable hours exploring the entire complex including the castle's Keep.
The circular Keep is the oldest part of the castle. It sits in the middle of the castle grounds on its own artificial hill. A guide explained that the hill was built from large blocks of chalk stacked to a height of almost 100 metres. A well was built at its edge ensuring water was available at all times. Access to the Keep is via a narrow stone rampart extending from the main castle complex. Between the parapets are there are glimpses of private apartments, sitting within a large green quadrangle.
The interior is decorated with all manner of antiques, artwork and other relics. The private chapel is perhaps the most memorable room in the castle. Looking much like a mini-cathedral, it is here that successive generations of Dukes and Earls are buried. The views over the town and coastal plains were equally memorable. We later learned that the Normans built a string of castles along the coast every few miles to deter invasion. It would seem that there are plenty more castles for us to explore in the coming months.
After a brief wander through the village, we decided it was time for home. The trip was largely uneventful until we reached the western edges of the M25, London's outer motorway ring. The traffic was heavy, slowing to a halt for many miles at a time. I've heard horror stories about the M25 before. I now believe every word.
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2 comments:
Oooh, Mike and I were there earlier this year, but it was closed :-(
Arundel looks nice, love the photos
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