Robert Dudley

Leave:   Wallingford Museum 08:45   Crowmarsh Church 08:50 

Arrive: Lord Leycester  10:30   Depart: Lord Leycester  12:30

Arrive:  Kenilworth Castle 13:00.  Depart: Kenilworth 15:30

Return Wallingford: 17:30 approximately

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Organiser: Sue Wright

The Lord Leycester (90 minute guided tour) is one of Europe’s most important medieval buildings and has been a home to the Master and Brethren for over 450 years.

 

Over 700 years ago, the United Guilds of Warwick built their headquarters consisting of a conference room, banqueting hall, mansion for the Master of the Guilds, storage rooms and lodgings for travellers. The Guildsmen built this splendid example of medieval half-timbered buildings with trees felled in the 1200’s from forests across England. Today, the site survives intact and tops the list of most complete and important medieval buildings in the British Isles. 

   

The buildings are extraordinary, but what makes them unique is the enduring communities that have lived within the walls since the 1300’s. First came the Guilds, and then the Earl of Leicester, Robert Dudley, who was a favourite of Elizabeth I. Dudley founded the Lord Leycester Hospital in 1571 – a philanthropic community of a Master and twelve Brethren. Coming from the ranks of soldiers injured in Tudor wars, the Brethren were deserving recipients of Dudley’s philanthropy. 

   

Today, the Master and Brethren still live in the community of the Lord Leycester established by Robert Dudley. Within the honey-coloured half-timbered walls it is as if time stood still. The Master and Brethren still wear Tudor livery and adhere to an ancient way of life. 

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The Royal Hospital Chelsea, with its in-pensioners in their scarlet coloured livery are famous worldwide – The Lord Leycester is a much older, quieter and smaller forerunner of this most English of institutions. However, both have stood the test of time and still provide a place of sanctuary for those who have sacrificed to serve their country. 

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Note: This is a medieval site with 700 year old buildings so it is important to mention access! There is a lift to the second floor galleries if visitors need it but access to the chapel is by stairs only.They have a 3 D model of the chapel for those who can’t do stairs.

   

Kenilworth Castle (self guided)

Kenilworth Castle’s story spans more than nine centuries. Its massive Norman keep dates from the 1120s and the fortress endured one of the longest sieges in medieval English history in 1266. Kenilworth’s greatest period began when Elizabeth I’s childhood friend, Robert Dudley took possession of the castle in 1563. He spent fortunes turning it into a showpiece mansion to impress the queen. Climb up to the queen’s apartments for fantastic views over the castle and surrounding countryside.

 

KENILWORTH 450

In 1575, Queen Elizabeth I spent a remarkable 19 days at Kenilworth Castle as the guest of Robert Dudley who sought her hand in marriage. This summer, to celebrate the 450th anniversary of her historic visit, Kenilworth will come alive with a season of special events. From activities at the castle to festivities throughout the town, there's something for everyone to enjoy as we bring this remarkable chapter of history to life. Explore the events taking place at Kenilworth Castle, including Wicked Game a special art installation.

COSTS:

Price: £50.00 per person (£39 if EH member)

Included in the visit:

Coach travel including drivers tip 

Refreshments on arrival

Guided tour of the Lord Leycester (90 minutes)

Admission to Kenilworth Castle (EH members free)

   

Not included:

Lunch -  At Kenilworth - The Stables Tearoom offers light lunch and cakes! 

   

Price £50 per person

EH members free - please deduct £11 so £39 pp if an EH member.

   

Only 40 places available