Pictures of Arundel

About Arundel

This attractive hill-town is dominated by the sheer magnificence of its castle. Arundel Castle, built at the end of the 11th-century by Roger de Montgomery, Earl of Arundel, was granted the land by William the Conqueror. No finer position could have been chosen, the castle built as a stronghold fortress, looms large over Arundel as if to guard a gap made in the downs by the River Arun.

Arundel castle has a history that stretches back in time for almost a thousand years and throughout this period the castle and it's inhabitants have borne witness to all the great events in the history of the life of both Church and Monarchy.

It can be said that, apart from the occasional reversion to the Crown, Arundel castle has descended directly from 1138 to the present day, carried by female heiresses from the d'Albini family to the Fitzalans and from the Fitzalans to the Howard family in the 16th-century and it has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk, Premier Earls of England for over 850 years.

There have been many famous members of the Howard family, they include two cardinals and a saint. St.Philip Howard, 13th Earl of Arundel 1557-1595 died in the Tower of London for his faith.

Throughout history, the castle has been visited by reigning monarchs, Queen Victoria visited with Prince Albert, they stayed for three days. The furniture specially commissioned for the visit is on display, so too are some of the personal possessions of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Of the many other treasures on view are wonderful portraits by Van Dyck, Gainsborough and Reynolds. There is a superb collection of fine furniture, clocks and Tapestries.

The castle remains a family home, the Duke and his family live here, therefore the castle and its beautiful grounds are only open seasonally. But, for a trip back in time, flavoured with the romance of the past, a visit to Arundel Castle is a must.

All around the Castle is pretty countryside - sheep and cows laze in the rich meadowland that has the appearance of almost being tucked beneath the castle walls. Touring this area is nothing less than joyous. There are other noted building to be seen, these include the 14th-century Church of St. Nicholas and the superb Church of Our Lady and St.Philip Neri.

Other attractions include; a Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, a Battle Site at Lympster Wick and Amberley Museum.

Arundel is just a stone's throw away from the sandy beaches of Bognor Regis, Middleton-on-Sea and Littlehampton and, should you wish to spend time hunting around Antique shops and centres then nearby Midhurst, Peterfield and Petworth will provide you with ample opportunity.

Whatever you choose to do, it is the bewitching Castle of Arundel and it's ancient history that will enthrall you and, if you are not careful, you could find yourself drawn back here again.