23+ Arundel Castle Facts That Will Make You Want To Visit The Fort

Arundel Castle has remained with the Dukes of Norfolk for a long time.

In the many centuries that the castle has stood on its ground, it has seen many important events and battles. Arundel Castle was even besieged twice in the course of the English Civil War.

Located in West Sussex, the castle was founded in the 11th century by a Norman baron named Roger de Montgomery. Ever since then, the Albinis, Fitzalans and Howards have possessed the beautiful lands and also made several renovations.

It was in the early 20th century that the castle got its own electric and water supplies under the then duke. In guided tours of the castle that are arranged today, you will be shown through the many rooms, including the one in which Queen Victoria stayed.

You will also get a glimpse of the beautiful castle gardens and the old architecture. Keep reading to know more!

Facts About Arundel Castle

England is lined with many castles, and almost all of them have a complex history to tell. Arundel Castle is no exception to this rule of thumb. The castle was founded in the 11th century and has stayed with the Dukes of Norfolk ever since.

• Arundel Castle is an integral part of English history.
• It was founded in the year 1067, and it is speculated that the foundations were laid on Christmas day.
• The artificial motte that we see over the dry moat today was built in the year 1168.
• The Fitzalan family and Howard family have their histories intricately enmeshed with the castle, as the possession of the house kept shifting.
• Arundel Castle was first built by a Norman lord named Roger de Montgomery.
• Roger de Montgomery was a baron to the Norman invader, William the Conqueror.
• The castle was initially sanctioned with the view that it would be a safe place and first point of contact in case of any invasive attacks.
• Arundel Castle is located in West Sussex and is best known for the artificial mound on which the stone shell keep is constructed.
• Roger de Montgomery was the first earl of the castle.
• The castle is located in the town of Arundel and is very close to Arundel station, which trains travel to.

Arundel Castle's History

This stone castle in West Sussex has a very rich history, and much of what we know today is related to the Howards and the Fitzalans. The castle was also besieged twice during the Civil War and suffered great damages, which were reversed through renovations in the 19th century.

• Arundel Castle is one of the oldest in England and has stayed in the family of the Dukes of Norfolk for a long time.
• The Dukes of Norfolk have been in possession of the beautiful castle for over 800 years, which is a great feat to achieve!
• The lands were dower for King Henry I's second wife, Adeliza Louvain.
• Adeliza of Louvain was King Henry I's second wife, who got married to William d'Albini II three years after his death.
• After her father's death, the crown should have been passed to Princess Maud, but she was in France at the time.
• This resulted in the capturing of the crown by Stephen of Blois.
• When Maud returned from France, the first place in England where she decided to stay was Arundel Castle.
• Maud's son, Henry II, later honored William d'Albini with the title of Earl of Arundel.
• The castle remained with the Albini family for centuries before passing down to the Fitzalans.
• The Fitzalans became the protectors and owners of the castle in the 13th century.
• It was in the 16th century that the castle went to the Howard family through the female line.
• One of the most interesting facts about Arundel Castle is that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed there for a few days in the 18th century.
• The 13th Duke of Norfolk was in possession of the castle at the time of the queen's visit.
• To accommodate the high priority guests, several renovations were made, and much of the castle that we see today was built during that time.
• The bedroom furniture, as well as other decorative pieces, were designed by the best craftsmen of England for the occasion, and the 13h Duke of Norfolk was successful in impressing the royals with his efforts and upkeep of the beautiful castle.
• The second duke, Thomas Howard, was the uncle of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.
• He was the one who made sure to see off the Spanish armada with Sir Francis Drake.
• Thomas Howard was the Earl of Sussex.
• Arundel Castle was besieged two times during the course of the English Civil War.
• The royalists were the first ones to capture the castle, followed by the parliamentarians led by Cromwell.
• The castle's history is deeply indented with the damages that were caused during this period.
• It was not until the 19th century that the castle of Arundel began to get back in shape.

Tourism Facts About Arundel Castle

If you decide to visit this beautiful castle in West Sussex, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.

• The medieval gatehouse and the garden are places that are the most beautiful to look at.
• The Arundel castle grounds are open to being viewed by people.
• It would take you an entire day to go through all of the rooms and indulge in all of the castle's history.
• A guided tour would be best so that you don't miss out on any details.
• The castle, beginning in the 18th century, had many renovations under different earls and dukes.