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Kenilworth Castle is a substantial medieval fortress established in the 1120s by Geoffrey de Clinton, combining a motte and bailey with an extensive stone-built enclosure that evolved substantially over subsequent centuries. The castle's defensive scheme was enhanced by an ambitious water management system comprising a mere, dams and associated waterworks that made it one of England's most formidable strongholds during the medieval period. From the 12th century onwards the site accumulated layers of construction including domestic ranges and towers of increasing sophistication, whilst the 16th century witnessed the addition of formal gardens reflecting contemporary Renaissance tastes. The ruins, set within their original landscape of water features and earthworks, represent a significant example of how a major noble seat adapted its military and residential functions across more than four centuries of continuous development.
Kenilworth Castle: a motte and bailey and enclosure castle with mere, dams and 16th century gardens is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1014041. View the official record →
Kenilworth Castle is a substantial medieval fortress established in the 1120s by Geoffrey de Clinton, combining a motte and bailey with an extensive stone-built enclosure that evolved substantially over subsequent centuries. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1014041.
Kenilworth Castle: a motte and bailey and enclosure castle with mere, dams and 16th century gardens is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1014041.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Wedgnock Park pale, dam, two watermill sites, bridge and hollow way 200m north east of Goodrest Farm (3.1 km), Goodrest Lodge: a double moated site with fishponds (3.3 km), Beausale camp, a multivallate hillfort (3.8 km).
Aubrey generates in-depth historical research for any address in Britain — drawing on scheduled monument data, Domesday records, Roman heritage, PAS finds and medieval history to reveal the complete story of a landscape.
Research the area around Kenilworth Castle: a motte and bailey and enclosure castle with mere, dams and 16th century gardens