Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle, located in Arundel BN18 9AB, UK, was first built in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, a cousin of William the Conqueror. Roger became the first Earl of Arundel and received extensive lands, including a large portion of Sussex. The castle was established as a defensive fortress and noble residence on a hill overlooking the River Arun, which was navigable to the sea at that time.

After Roger de Montgomery’s death, the castle returned to royal ownership under King Henry I. Henry I granted it to his second wife, Adeliza of Louvain. In 1138, Adeliza married William d’Albini, who became the first Earl of Arundel from the d’Albini family. William began significant stone fortifications, replacing earlier timber defenses with a stone curtain wall.

From 1243 until 1580, the castle was mainly held by the Earls of Arundel and later the FitzAlan family through marriage. During this period, the castle saw expansions and renovations under monarchs Henry II and Edward I, including the addition of towers and improved defenses. It also played a minor role in the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda, known as the Anarchy.

The FitzAlan male line ended in 1580, and the castle passed by marriage to the Howard family, who held the title of Dukes of Norfolk. The Howards were influential in Tudor politics and military affairs. During the English Civil War in 1643-44, the castle was besieged by Parliamentarian forces. About 10,000 Royalist troops defended it for 18 days before surrendering. In 1653, Parliament ordered partial demolition to prevent its future military use.

Following a period of neglect, restoration began in 1708. The 11th and 13th Dukes of Norfolk carried out extensive renovations in the late 18th and 19th centuries, including Gothic Revival remodeling. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited in 1846, prompting further refurbishments to meet royal standards, such as new guest apartments decorated in Victorian style.

In the early 20th century, the 14th and 15th Dukes modernized the castle and improved the gardens. Plans by the 16th Duke to transfer the castle to the National Trust were reversed by the 17th Duke, who created an independent trust to manage the property. Today, Arundel Castle remains the main residence of the Dukes of Norfolk, with much of the grounds open to the public.