WARWICK CASTLE

 Finally got to Warwick Castle.It is only 15 minutes walk away. The forecast said possible rain so I wore my raincoat and took my cardigan.  Why did I listen to that forecast? I ended up getting sunburn!

I loved the castle. There was so much to do there. Really sad I did not have any grandchildren with me. They would have loved so much of it.There are people dressed and acting according to medieval time periods. Plenty of things to look at to give you an idea of the conditions

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Luckily the ablution block did not smell liked it looked.

There was a wonderful peacock garden where many trees have been cut to represent these fine birds. Then of course the birds strutting their stuff.

I walked up the mound which is where the original fortress was built. From the top of that I could see St Mary's tower. Still to climb up that.

In addition to the static displays there are performances. They gave me a chance to sit down for a few minutes. 

Learned about the archers and the origins of their bows. I saw the birds of prey show. This beautiful eagle was not smiling when it stared at me.

The jousting was the other side of the river Avon. Guess it was safer that way.

On a little stage down by the river they had a couple of guys act out the  Horrible Histories Wicked Warwick. The side of the hill makes a natural amphitheater

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I went on a history tour where I learned about the castle. It all started in 914 when Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great, ordered the building of a an earthen rampart to protect the settlement of Warwick. from the Danes. 1068 William the Conqueror built a wooden fort. Over the years it was added to and owned by various people. 

In 1978 Madame Tussaud's group bought it. The current Earl of Warwick lives in Perth Australia. There are many life size figures in the rooms. They have recordings going so it appears as if the people are talking.

Even got Henry VII with all six wives.

The one thing I did not do was go to the Castle Dungeon. That is a 50 minute walk with actors playing all the dreadful roles in a medieval dungeon. Children under 10 are not recommended and under 18 must have someone over 18 with them. Scary stuff!.  I would have loved to have all my older grandchildren there. Not something I wanted to do by myself.

I arrived at 10.30 am and didn't leave until 5 pm. It was fantastic.