KENILWORTH CASTLE
12th century stone castle, in the town of Kenilworth, Warwickshire.
Initially granted to John Dudley in 1553, who began modernisation, prior to his execution.
Castle restored to son Robert Dudley in 1563 who continued expansion and modernisation.
Visited by Elizabeth I on 4 occasions, including in 1575 for 19 day 'Kenilworth Festivities'.
Is inherited by Ambrose Dudley on Robert Dudley's death, and later passes to Robert's illegitimate son 'Robin Sheffield' in 1590.
KEY EVENTS
1553 - Kenilworth Castle granted to JOHN DUDLEY, who starts modernisation work, prior to his execution in Aug 1553.; lands confiscated following conviction for treason.
1563 - Kenilworth Castle granted to ROBERT DUDLEY by ELIZABETH I.
19-21 Aug 1566 - ELIZABETH I visits Kenilworth Castle.
14-19 Aug 1568 - ELIZABETH I's "unexpected stay" at Kenilworth Castle.
c.1570 - ROBERT DUDLEY employs mason William Spicer and commences extensive modernisation and redevelopment of castle, including the building of "Leicester's Buildings' and 'Leicester's Gatehouse'.
Aug 1572 - ELIZABETH I visits Kenilworth Castle, in between visits to Warwick Castle; visits 13-16 Aug and 18-23 Aug 1572.
Summer 1574 - LETTICE KNOLLYS known to have visited Kenilworth Castle to hunt, whilst husband WALTER DEVEREUX was in Ireland.
09 Jul 1575 -ELIZABETH I arrives at Kenilworth Castle, for the 'Kenilworth Festivities'/'Princely Pleasures' hosted by ROBERT DUDLEY, where she spends 19 days - the longest time spent at a courtier's home; this was her final visit. LETTICE KNOLLYS, FRANCIS KNOLLYS, MARY DUDLEY, ANNE RUSSELL, and AMBROSE DUDLEY also known to have been present during this time.
Summer 1576 - LETTICE KNOLLYS known to have visited Kenilworth Castle again to hunt.
Jun 1577 - Recently widowed LETTICE KNOLLYS, known to have visited ROBERT DUDLEY (and AMBROSE DUDLEY) at Kenilworth over the summer, spending time 'hunting'; relationship with Robert Dudley known to have developed significantly from this time.
Summer 1578 - Reported secret marriage at Kenilworth between ROBERT DUDLEY and LETTICE KNOLLYS; further wedding ceremony conducted in September 1578 at Wanstead Hall, Essex at father FRANCIS KNOLLYS' insistence, infant of witnesses.
04 Sep 1588 - Death of ROBERT DUDLEY at Cornbury Park, Oxon; was en route to Kenilworth Castle and Buxton; ownership of Kenilworth passes to brother AMBROSE DUDLEY.
21 Feb 1590 - Death of AMBROSE DUDLEY; Kenilworth passes to ROBERT DUDLEY's illegitimate son Sir Robert Dudley.
