Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle stands on a ridge above the River Arun in West Sussex. Built in the 11th century by Roger de Montgomery, it began as a motte-and-bailey fortress. The castle has been home to the Earls of Arundel and Dukes of Norfolk for nearly a thousand years. After damage in the 17th-century civil war, it was restored in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by the 11th Duke. Further work followed in the late 19th century under Charles Alban Buckler for the 15th Duke. It remains a Grade I listed building. The castle’s long history includes sieges, royal visits and architectural change. In 1102 it was besieged by Henry I after Robert of Bellême rebelled. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert stayed for three days in 1846. The 15th Duke remodelled the interiors for their visit, including a suite of six rooms on the second floor. The Collector’s Earl Garden, opened in 2008 by the Prince of Wales, honours the 14th Earl. Its centrepiece, Oberon’s Palace, has a shellwork grotto and a fountain topped by a golden corona. Inside, visitors find state rooms with furniture designed by Morant for the 1846 royal visit. The Baronial Hall holds three full-length portraits of Barons from King John’s time. Outside, the gardens have been reimagined by head gardener Martin Duncan, who created a wild water garden around medieval friary ponds. The cricket ground has hosted matches since 1895. Films including Wonder Woman and The Young Victoria were shot here. The castle also appears in Thomas Malory’s Morte D’Arthur as Anglides’ stronghold.