1. The Beginning

 
Kenilworth Castle by Matthew Sugars Photography

In 1119 King Henry I granted the manor of Kenilworth to his Chamberlain Geoffrey de Clinton. On the king’s orders Geoffrey built a castle to the west, raising a stone keep on a sandstone outcrop protected by marshy ground. This made the castle a formidable stronghold and a key defence of Henry’s realm east of the forest of Arden.

Geoffrey further gifted land (the current expanse of Abbey Fields before you) for the establishment of an Augustinian priory.

Onward Directions

Take Forrest Road to the Junction. Turn right, cross Borrowell Lane and then turn left on the small road and bear right behind houses to reach woodland. The ditches here were part of the "Brays" - medieval earthworks, built to defend the castle. On leaving woods turn right and follow track to the gate next to the Castle ticket office.