Great Paintings Of Warwick Castle

Guy's Tower

Towers were the mainstay of a castle’s defensive system. Because they projected above and out from the wall, they gave archers a clear view downwards and sideways.

Guy’s Tower was built in the 14th century. It is twelve-sided, stands 39 metres high and has five storeys.

The first four storeys consist of a central stone-vaulted chamber with two small side rooms – one a gardrobe (toilet), the other probably a bedchamber.

The fifth storey is a hexagonal guardroom. During the Civil War the windows here were enlarged so that they could take small hand-held cannons.

Curtain Walls
The walkways that run along the curtain walls meant that crossbowmen and archers could move swiftly to quell danger at any point on the perimeter.

Once in position they could pick off the enemy from the battlements. These consist of solid sections of wall, called merlons, and gaps, known as embrasures.

The tops of the towers are encircled by parapets that added a further layer to the castle's defences.

Cut into the floor of the parapet at regular intervals are openings, or machicolations, through which the garrison could drop stones or pour boiling pitch and quicklime onto the unfortunate attackers below.

Gatehouse and Barbican
Since the entrance to the castle was likely to be a favourite target for an attacking force, it was vital to fortify it as heavily as possible. The barbican, which had a drawbridge, reaches out into the dry ditch to give the gatehouse more protection.

Soldiers would be faced with the first iron portcullis and a barrage of crossbow bolts. If somehow the barbican portcullis failed to lower, the attackers would find themselves in a narrow roofed passage with arrow slits to either side and, worse, murder holes in the ceiling from which stones and missiles would rain down on them. Colossal wooden doors further prevented them.

Those who survived would then have to struggle through raking crossfire up towards the gatehouse itself. Here they would be confronted by yet another portcullis, another set of murder holes and another door...

Royal Weekend Party
In 1898, Daisy, Countess of Warwick hosted a weekend party at which the principle guest was the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII.

Once inside the former private apartments, you'll step back to a time of the most lavish and extravagant parties at Warwick Castle. Meet the beautiful Daisy, Countess of Warwick and her friends preparing for their weekend party.

The Royal Weekend Party brings to life the secrets of a Victorian household and all its important guests. Encounter a young Winston Churchill and listen to Clara Butt, renowned singer of the time and Paolo Tosti, music master to the Royal Family.

Most of the furnishings and fittings are those that were actually here in 1898, and photographs taken at the time mean that it has been possible to put every chair, table, bed and book in exactly the place it occupied exactly 100 years ago. Daisy's exquisite evening gown and the lavish decoration of her bedroom were recreated from photographs of Daisy's ancestral home, Easton Lodge. It was clear that no expense was spared in her luxurious lifestyle.