Arundel Castle, Medieval castle in West Sussex, England
Arundel Castle is a fortified residence in West Sussex, England, rising on a hill above the River Arun with its stone keep, medieval gatehouse, and barbican. The rooms inside display furniture, tapestries, and paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Canaletto, spread across several wings.
Roger de Montgomery began the motte-and-bailey castle around 1067, and it has been the seat of the Earls of Arundel since the 11th century. The Howards, who hold the title Duke of Norfolk, inherited it in 1555 through Lady Mary FitzAlan. Parliament ordered its slighting in 1653 after a Civil War siege, and the 11th Duke restored it from 1787.
The castle has been the seat of the Earls of Arundel since the 11th century, and the Dukes of Norfolk have held the title since 1660. The Collector Earl's Garden, opened in 2008, honours Thomas Howard, 21st Earl of Arundel, an art collector; its Oberon's Palace has a shellwork grotto and a fountain lifting a golden corona. The dining room occupies the former medieval chapel and displays the rosary beads Mary, Queen of Scots carried to her execution in 1587.
The visit includes access to chambers, gardens, and defensive structures, with paths that partly cross uneven ground and stairs. A tour often takes several hours, as the grounds are extensive and many rooms can be explored.
The Collector's Earl Garden was created in 2008 and features Oberon's Palace with water displays and architectural elements recalling Renaissance gardens. The name refers to an earlier duke known for his extensive collections.
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