Sunday 15 July 2007

Kenilworth




Kenilworth Castle is one of the largest historic sites in England. A walk through its ruined structures affords a view of the monarchs and noble figures who lived there. It was founded by Geoffrey de Clinton in the 1120s, and expanded in later years by other owners. In 1563 Queen Elizabeth (1558-1603) granted it to her favorite, Robert Dudley, who spent enormous sums to convert and expand it. In 1575 the queen visited, and a 19 day “great entertainment” was held. There is a connection to printing: the activities were recounted, in the form of a satire, in the book “A Letter: whearin, part of the entertainment unto the Queenz Maiesty at Killingwoorth Castl, in warwik Sheer, in this soomerz Progess, 1575, is signified…” Apparently no copies of this edition survive, though later 16th century printings do. Written in Warwickshire dialect, the author was probably William Patten (died in or after 1598), though for many years the name of Robert Laneham was put forward.