How Britain's Most Opulent Castle Survived Destruction: Arundel Castle

This episode takes you on a tour of Britain’s historic “Arundel Castle” of the Dukes of Norfolk - exploring the lavish environs of this legendary castle.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:33 Chapter 1: Touring The Castle Today
5:58 Chapter 2: In The Beginning of Arundel Castle
9:04 Chapter 3: Getting The Good Guests
12:37 Chapter 4: Decay and Ruin
14:41 Chapter 5: The Restoration
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Nestled in the lush, rolling hills of West Sussex, Arundel Castle stands as a stunning example of medieval English architecture and historical grandeur.
Its towering keep and fairy-tale turrets command awe-inspiring views across the Arun Valley, drawing visitors from around the globe to its opulent halls and exquisite gardens.
As visitors stroll through its lavishly decorated rooms, they are transported back through centuries of royal banquets and splendid ceremonies, with each corner and corridor echoing the footsteps of dukes and duchesses.
Yet, Arundel Castle also harbors a lesser-known legacy of vulnerability and decay.
There was a time when this iconic edifice of heritage and power teetered on the edge of ruin, neglected for years and facing the grim prospect of disrepair.
Today’s discussion will explore how such a legendary castle avoided this harrowing end and the meticulous restoration process that saved one of Albion’s most beloved structures.
Arundel Castle today stands as a spectacular mosaic of medieval architecture, extensively restored and remodeled over the centuries.
Initially built during the Norman era by Roger de Montgomery in the 11th century, the castle showcases Norman and Gothic designs, with each architectural element narrating ancient tales.
The Keep, the castle's most defining feature constructed in the 12th century, replaced earlier wooden fortifications and commands a view over the River Arun and the South Downs. Its formidable Gatehouse, complete with a portcullis and drawbridge, served as the castle's protective barrier.
Nearby, the Barbican demonstrates medieval military ingenuity with its thick walls and battlements.
Inside, the castle’s 19th-century Gothic Revival enhancements are evident, with architect Charles Alban Buckler and the 15th Duke of Norfolk enhancing its medieval foundation with pointed arches and intricate stone carvings.
The grand Barons' Hall and the nearby Regency library reflect a blend of regal elegance and scholarly depth.
The ethereal FitzAlan Chapel, founded in 1380, invites reflection with its stained glass windows and decorative mosaics.
Outside, the castle’s gardens express horticultural mastery.
The Collector Earl's Garden, designed by Isabel and Julian Bannerman, features a mix of fantastical and structured elements like a shellwork grotto and a golden fountain.
The gardens blend sustainability with tradition, including a wild water garden and a restored Victorian peach house.
The Rose Garden, recognized for its meticulously selected blooms, contributes to a contemporary floral tapestry.
Arundel Castle’s story is deeply rooted in the drama of the Norman Conquest.
Gifted to Roger de Montgomery by William the Conqueror, the castle began as a strategic bulwark constructed on a hill overlooking the River Arun.
Its transformation from wood to stone marked a significant evolution in fortification, solidifying its status as an impenetrable Norman stronghold.
The castle’s engagement with the echelons of power stretches from the Norman invasion to the Victorian age. It hosted monarchs like King Henry I and Queen Victoria, serving as a site of grand feasts and high-stakes political intrigue.
The castle’s saga includes periods of decline, particularly during the late 17th and early 18th centuries when it was neglected by its owners, the Dukes of Norfolk.
The restoration of Arundel Castle began in the 18th century under Charles Howard, the "Drunken Duke," who initiated an audacious revamp to make the castle a palace of opulence.
This included hosting Queen Victoria in 1846, who found the accommodations "small but very cheerful."
The restoration efforts continued into the 19th century, with significant contributions from the 15th Duke of Norfolk, who blended historical grandeur with modern conveniences.
Today, Arundel Castle is not just an architectural wonder; it is a vibrant home and a part of England’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors with its rich history and stunning renovations.
The ongoing conservation efforts ensure that the castle’s beauty and historical significance are preserved for future generations to admire and explore.

[@oldmoneymansions]

COMMENT: Which iconic British castle would you like us to feature next on this channel?

[@lindasmith2345]

I truly enjoyed this episode. As an American, episodes such as this, are my way of visiting places I might not ever get to visit.

[@robert5140]

Thank you for a very informative video.

[@oldmoneymansions]

You are welcome!

[@cmecre8629]

very nice chunk of information

[@LJB103]

How about a video on Alnwick Castle?

[@surreygirl2075]

Beauiful castle glad i got to see inside as i only saw the out side and the lake and river and swan in the out door warm swimming pool on a warm day

[@ransomcoates546]

If the entail on property ended in 1925 how do a few great families manage to keep the title and the estate together?

[@AroundTheWorldWithEase]

Why would the title and estate be separated?

[@christinec7892]

@@AroundTheWorldWithEasewell unentailed property is often sold off by title holders. That’s what’s happened to most of the other properties the dukes of Norfolk owned.

[@dominiqueparisi4618]

Loved this castle

[@roomullan3050]

Really enjoyed that. Love our English history

[@oldmoneymansions]

Cheers!

[@josephpiskac2781]

Please show us Dohousie Castle near Edinburgh Scotland?

[@joshuagenes]

I am a decedent of some of the Dukes or Norfolk so it is on the gemological tour should I ever go to England again.

[@mediocremaiden8883]

A descendent? They haven't hosted you as Family?

[@joshuagenes]

@@mediocremaiden8883 Uh no do you know how many people are related to the Duke's of Norfolk since they became the Duke's of Norfolk???? A lot I am related to the first three. There are probably 30,000+ people who descended from them alone as it was many generations back and people used to have a lot of kids. Take into account all the other Dukes of Norfolk and you are looking at even more people. It would be a good idea for them to track everyone down and hit them up for funding, and weddings, and room stays, and networking in general.

[@gayprepperz6862]

@@joshuagenes Same here Bud. Not closely related enough to count as a "someone", but interesting genealogical history nonetheless.

[@mediocremaiden8883]

@joshuagenes LOL r/wooosh I was being Facetious in your 'Fun Fact'd' nonchalant way of saying You're descended from Blue Blooded Old Money Aristocracy. And no I don't know because most people don't

[@joshuagenes]

@@mediocremaiden8883 My ancestry like most are full of peasant nobodies but also nobility. The second and third sons of nobility were often used as cannon fodder in war and they may have gotten some inheritance they usually didn't inherit the house and often married non-nobility. once you hit nobility in your genealogy it makes it easy to trace because they kept good records.

[@TheSybil47]

Charles I, the Destroyer of so many beautiful castles. Just for what he, and the Cavaliers did to this castle, he deserved his fate. Anyways, Mary Stuart was no better. She ruined The Duke of Norfolk, and all for nothing. I would love to see the inside of Fotheringhay Castle.

[@Bod8998]

Hadley castle in southend on sea essex UK