Walking Through History in Warwickshire

Story by Mary Casey-Sturk

Photos by Bill Brenner

UK-based Bill Brenner spent several late summer days exploring Warwickshire, located in the West Midlands of England. During his journey, he visited National Trust Properties including Baddesley Clinton. This intimate estate is tucked in the heart of the Forest of Arden and was the home of the Ferrers family for 500 years. A large portion of the house you see today was built by Henry Ferrers, a lawyer, diarist and antiquarian in the late 1500s.

The house was also used to shelter persecuted Catholics who were hidden from priest hunters during the English Reformation. Visitors today can enjoy the House, various gardens, shop and restaurant.

Another stop was at historic Packwood House. Originally built in the 16^th century, Packwood House retains an elegant collection of 16^th-century textiles and furniture that visitors to this National Trust property can admire. The interiors were restored at the start of the 20^th century by Graham Baron Ash, son of a wealthy industrialist, both celebrating and protecting the Tudor architecture.

Beyond the House, you’ll find vibrant gardens, a lakeside walk, a kitchen garden and 150 acres of parkland including an ancient woodland. A restaurant and shop are also on the property.

Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden is managed by English Heritage.  Its story spans over nine centuries and its massive Norman keep dates to the 1120s. The keep and the fortress withstood the longest siege in English history, a relentless attack during the Baron’s War in 1266.

In 1563, Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley, eventually took possession of the castle. During this time, he spent a great deal of money turning it into a showplace to impress the queen.

Dudley, 1^st Earl of Leicester (1532-1588) was a statesman and a favorite of the queen, he also sought to marry her for many years. Dudley created a spectacular garden for Queen Elizabeth I’s 1575 visit. Guests (royal or otherwise) continue to enjoy this Renaissance-style masterpiece which was restored in 2009 after being lost for centuries. Historic accounts were used to recreate the garden to its original opulence.

To learn more about Warwickshire and all it has to offer, visit warwickshire.gov.uk.