THE
P RTAL
July 2012
Page 11
Arundel Castle
a visit for T he P ortal by Eliza Treblecock
Every Englishman knows the date 1066. It is the date of the Conqueror, William I. What is not
so well known is that William left his kinsman Roger de Montgomery behind to look after Normandy while
William went to fight the Battle of Hastings.
As his reward, Roger was given one third of Sussex,
on condition that he built one of a chain of castles to
defend the south coast and deter future attacks. With
Casrisbroke on the Isle of Wight on the west, and
Dover on the east, Arundel was Roger’s part of this
chain of defensive castles. it could once again become a residence, albeit only
occasionally. During this time they lived most of
the time at Worksop Priory (now demolished) in
Nottinghamshire, and Norfolk House in London. The
first of these was sold in 1838 and the latter in 1938.
the Fitzalans During the final quarter on the Nineteenth Century,
the Eleventh Duke was inspired by the new Romantic
Movement. This included the revival of Gothic and all
things Middle Ages. He desired to make Arundel his
ducal seat. At the same time George III was rebuilding
Windsor Castle. The Duke’s chosen architect was one
Charles Alban Buckler. He employed all the latest
ideas, including rebuilding, reconstruction, electric
light, new road, and a new water supply. The concrete
foundations, coal-fired central heating and fire-
fighting equipment were all of the latest design. The
Castle we see today, is mostly this re-building. It has
lasted very well and is as imposing now as it was one
hundred years ago.
A naturally defensive position, Arundel protected
the Arun Gap where the river pours through the South
Downs. This primitive castle was the forerunner of the
present magnificent structure we call Arundel Castle.
Gradually during the course of the years, the castle
was enlarged and improved. Through the female line
it fell to the Fitzalans. There were twelve Fitzalan Earls
of Arundel the twelfth dying in 1580. The Castle was
inherited by his grandson Philip Howard. His mother
had married the fourth Duke of Norfolk and the
Howards have been Dukes of Norfolk ever since.
Parliamentary Army
Through so many years there have been many
adventures centred on Arundel, some glorious, others
sad and tragic. During the English Civil War the
Castle was besieged in 1644 by General Waller of the
Parliamentary Army who eventually captured it. He
tried to make sure it could not be defended again by
demolishing part of the structure.
rebuilding
The present
The present Duke, the Eighteenth, lives in the Castle
with his wife Georgina, and together with the Castle
Trustees have restored and maintained the building
to the highest standards. It is truly stunning, fabulous
even.
Many years later, 1708 to be precise, the Eighth
Walk the curtain wall, climb to the Keep, wander
Duke of Norfolk rebuilt the Castle well enough that through room after room it is truly a wonderful