Location: Arundel, West Sussex Map
Found: 1068 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel
Tel. 01903 882173
Open: Apr- Oct
14th Cent Fitzalan Chapel, Gardens & Grounds: 10am- 5pm
Restaurant: 10:30am- 4:30pm
Gift Shop: 10:30am- 5:00pm
Castle
Keep: 11am- 4:30pm
Castle Rooms: 12pm- 5pm
Last admission: 4pm
Closed: public holidays, Mondays
Official site
Arundel Castle, located in Arundel, West Sussex, United Kingdom, is one of England’s most iconic and well-preserved medieval castles, serving as the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Norfolk for over 850 years. Established in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, a cousin of William the Conqueror, the castle has evolved from a Norman motte-and-bailey fortress into a grand Gothic-revival stately home, blending medieval fortifications with luxurious 19th-century interiors. Set against the backdrop of the South Downs, it is a Grade I listed building renowned for its historical significance, architectural splendor, extensive art collection, and beautifully landscaped grounds. Below is an in-depth exploration of Arundel Castle’s history, architecture, cultural significance, and modern-day role, incorporating details from available sources and addressing its proximity to Amberley Castle (3.7 miles away) as contextually relevant.
Norman Origins (1067–1135)
Arundel Castle was founded on Christmas
Day 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, as a defensive
stronghold to secure the Arun River valley, a key strategic point in
Sussex. The original structure was a classic Norman motte-and-bailey,
with a wooden keep atop an artificial mound (motte) and an enclosed
courtyard (bailey). Its elevated position, overlooking the river and
surrounding landscape, made it a vital fortification. The Domesday Book
(1086) records Arundel as a significant holding, underscoring its early
importance. After Roger’s death, the castle passed through several
families, including the d’Aubignys, until it came to the FitzAlan family
in the 12th century.
Medieval Development (1135–1500)
The
castle saw significant upgrades under the FitzAlans, who replaced the
wooden keep with a stone one in the late 12th century and added a
curtain wall with cylindrical towers, including the Bevis Tower. In
1138, during the Anarchy, Empress Matilda briefly used Arundel as her
base, highlighting its strategic role. The FitzAlans, later Earls of
Arundel, expanded the castle, adding a great hall and domestic
buildings. By the 13th century, it was a major noble residence, passing
to the Howard family in 1580 through marriage when Philip Howard
inherited it via his mother, Mary FitzAlan. The Howards, as Dukes of
Norfolk, have held the castle ever since, making it one of England’s
longest continuously occupied family seats.
Civil War and
Restoration (1643–1700)
During the English Civil War (1642–1651),
Arundel Castle was a Royalist stronghold. In 1643, it was besieged by
Parliamentarian forces under Sir William Waller, who bombarded it with
artillery, causing severe damage to the keep, walls, and domestic
buildings. The castle was slighted (deliberately ruined) to prevent
reuse, leaving it in disrepair. After the Restoration of the Monarchy in
1660, the Howard family regained control, but it remained largely a ruin
until the late 17th century when modest repairs began.
Georgian
and Victorian Rebirth (1718–1900)
The 8th Duke of Norfolk initiated
repairs in 1718, restoring parts of the castle for residential use.
However, the most transformative changes came under the 11th Duke
(1789–1815), who began Gothic-revival enhancements, and the 15th Duke
(1847–1917), who oversaw a comprehensive restoration from 1875 to 1900.
Architect Charles Alban Buckler rebuilt much of the castle in a
romanticized medieval style, adding lavish interiors, a new library, and
a barons’ hall inspired by Gothic architecture. The project cost £2
million (over £230 million today), funded by the Howard family’s wealth,
and aimed to restore Arundel as a ducal seat rivaling England’s finest
stately homes. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in 1846, staying
for three days, a testament to the castle’s restored prestige.
20th Century to Present
During World War II, Arundel Castle was used
to billet Canadian troops, and its grounds served as a training area.
The 16th and 17th Dukes continued modernization, opening the castle to
the public in the mid-20th century. The 18th Duke, Miles Francis
Fitzalan-Howard, established the Arundel Castle Trust in 1975 to ensure
its preservation, with the castle now managed as a charitable trust.
Today, it remains the principal home of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk,
who reside in private apartments, while much of the castle and grounds
are open to visitors from April to October.
Arundel Castle combines medieval fortifications with 19th-century
Gothic-revival additions, creating a harmonious blend of defensive and
residential architecture. Key features include:
Motte and Keep:
The 12th-century stone keep, atop the 100-foot motte, is one of the
oldest surviving parts, offering panoramic views of the South Downs and
River Arun. Its cylindrical design and thick walls reflect Norman
military architecture. The Owl Tower, within the keep, houses a spiral
staircase and historical displays.
Curtain Walls and Towers: The
12th–13th-century curtain wall encircles the inner bailey, punctuated by
towers like Bevis Tower (with a medieval portcullis) and the Fitzalan
Gate. The walls retain their defensive character, though softened by
Victorian landscaping.
Barons’ Hall: Built in the 1870s, this grand
hall features a hammerbeam roof, stained-glass windows depicting the
castle’s history, and portraits of the Howard family. It serves as a
venue for events and exhibitions.
Library: One of the finest
Gothic-revival interiors, the library spans 122 feet and houses over
10,000 books, with mahogany bookcases, intricate plasterwork, and a
vaulted ceiling. It reflects the 15th Duke’s passion for scholarship.
Chapel: The private Fitzalan Chapel, a 14th-century structure rebuilt in
the 19th century, is a Catholic shrine connected to the castle by a
covered walkway. It contains tombs of the Dukes of Norfolk and is
notable for its Perpendicular Gothic style.
State Apartments: The
Victorian-era bedrooms, drawing rooms, and dining rooms are opulently
furnished with tapestries, chandeliers, and period furniture. Highlights
include the Regency Room, with its gold-leaf decor, and the Victoria
Room, used by Queen Victoria in 1846.
Grounds and Gardens: Spanning
40 acres, the gardens are a highlight, designed with input from
Capability Brown’s principles. Key areas include:
Collector Earl’s
Garden: A 21st-century formal garden inspired by 17th-century designs,
with fountains, pergolas, and a stilted hornbeam hedge.
Rose Garden:
A romantic walled garden with over 1,000 roses.
Organic Kitchen
Garden: Supplies the castle’s cafe with fresh produce.
Italian Garden
and Stumpery: Victorian-inspired areas with exotic plants and sculptural
tree stumps.
Blackbirds Sculpture: A modern addition, this kinetic
sculpture by William Pye features water and bronze elements, enhancing
the grounds’ aesthetic.
The castle’s architecture balances its
medieval core (keep, walls, and chapel) with Victorian embellishments,
creating a “fairy-tale” appearance that has made it a popular filming
location for productions like The Young Victoria and Wonder Woman.
Arundel Castle’s significance spans military, political, and cultural
spheres:
Ducal Seat: As the home of the Dukes of Norfolk,
England’s premier non-royal peers and hereditary Earls Marshal, the
castle symbolizes the Howard family’s enduring influence. The Dukes have
organized state ceremonies, including coronations, for centuries.
Catholic Heritage: The Howards’ steadfast Catholicism, despite
persecution during the Reformation, is reflected in the Fitzalan Chapel
and the castle’s role as a Catholic stronghold. Philip Howard, 1st Earl
of Arundel, was canonized as a martyr in 1970 for his faith.
Art and
Antiques: The castle houses an exceptional collection, including:
Paintings by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Canaletto, displayed in the
Picture Gallery.
Furniture from the 16th–19th centuries, including a
table owned by Oliver Cromwell.
Personal effects of Mary, Queen of
Scots, such as her rosary, carried at her execution in 1587.
The
Arundel Marbles, a collection of ancient Greek sculptures, some of which
are now in the British Museum.
Historical Events: The castle’s role
in the Anarchy, Civil War, and royal visits (Henry I, Henry II, Edward
VI, and Queen Victoria) underscores its national importance.
Modern
Cultural Role: Open to the public since the 20th century, it attracts
over 100,000 visitors annually. Events like medieval reenactments,
jousting tournaments, and the Arundel Festival (with castle concerts)
enhance its cultural profile.
Visiting Arundel Castle
Located at Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB,
the castle is 3.7 miles from Amberley Castle, a 10-minute drive, making
it an ideal companion visit. It is open from April to October, Tuesday
to Sunday (plus Mondays in August), 10 AM to 5 PM, with last entry at 4
PM. Ticket options include:
Gold Plus: Access to all areas,
including bedrooms, library, and grounds (£25–£30).
Gold: Castle
rooms and grounds, excluding bedrooms (£22–£27).
Silver: Keep,
Fitzalan Chapel, and grounds (£15–£18).
Bronze: Grounds and gardens
only (£12–£15). Children under 5 enter free, and discounts apply for
students, seniors, and disabled visitors. Online booking is recommended
via
https://www.arundelcastle.org.
Castle Rooms: Visitors can explore the keep, Barons’ Hall, library,
and state apartments, with guides offering historical insights. The
Mary, Queen of Scots exhibition is a highlight.
Grounds and Gardens:
The Collector Earl’s Garden, Rose Garden, and Organic Kitchen Garden are
ideal for leisurely strolls. The Blackbirds sculpture adds a modern
touch.
Events: Annual events include medieval tournaments, Civil War
reenactments, and Christmas wreath-making workshops. The Arundel Castle
Cricket Ground hosts matches, visible from the grounds.
Facilities:
The castle offers a cafe with locally sourced food, a gift shop, and
accessible toilets. Mobility aids (wheelchairs, scooters) are available,
though the keep and upper floors have limited access due to steps.
Educational Programs: School visits and family trails engage younger
visitors, with hands-on activities like armor displays.
Visitor
Feedback
Reviews on Tripadvisor and Google (4.6/5 average) praise the
castle’s “breathtaking” interiors, “stunning” gardens, and knowledgeable
staff. The library, Barons’ Hall, and art collection are standout
features, though some note the steep ticket prices and limited access to
private areas. The grounds are lauded for their beauty, especially in
spring when roses bloom. Accessibility challenges for mobility-impaired
visitors and occasional crowding during events are minor criticisms.
Proximity to Amberley Castle
Arundel Castle’s location, just 3.7
miles from Amberley Castle, makes it a natural complement for visitors
exploring West Sussex’s heritage. While Amberley is a fortified manor
turned luxury hotel with a focus on medieval charm and dining, Arundel
offers a broader historical scope, from Norman origins to Victorian
opulence, with more extensive public access and events. Combining visits
allows exploration of contrasting architectural styles (medieval vs.
Baroque/Gothic) and histories (episcopal vs. ducal).
Cost: Tickets are pricier than some historic sites, with Gold Plus
nearing £30. Budget-conscious visitors may opt for Silver or Bronze
options but miss key interiors.
Accessibility: The keep and upper
floors are inaccessible to wheelchair users, though the grounds and
ground-floor rooms are navigable with assistance.
Seasonal Access:
Closed from November to March, limiting year-round visits.
Crowds:
Peak summer and event days can be busy, with queues for the keep and
cafe.
Private Residence: Parts of the castle, including the Duke’s
apartments, are off-limits, which some visitors find disappointing.
Arundel Castle is said to be haunted by several ghosts. One of the most commonly seen is a ghost of a young woman. Her apparition is often seen near Hiorne's Tower. It is especially common around full moon at night. Some claim she leaped from a tower after her love abandoned her. Other claim she herself is a victim of an evil plot. Another ghost that is frequent in the area is so- called Blue Man. He is supposedly first appeared about the time of the English Civil War and times of Charles II. He is commonly seen in the library of the castle, flipping through books and reading them. Another ghost that is common the servants' quarters is that of a tall man with long hair and a grey tunic. His full body apparition have been seen by several visitors. He usually makes few steps before mysteriously disappearing. Additionally they are disembodied voices, poltergeist activity where the objects are moved without anyone's visible presence, cold spots and many other strange events that are attributed to ghostly activity.