Was a much nicer today as Celia, Chris, Kim and I headed off in the car to Arundel castle. Last time Kim had been here was in 1979! Although we have seen many castles by now, we particularly enjoyed this one as it was a living castle, with the family living on the premises. Because of this it had a more homely feel, with books on the table etc.
However, before we visited the castle we walked down a pretty country road to the ‘Black Rabbit’, for a delicious lunch in a very picturesque setting by the river.
The Black RabbitGreat beer brands!Didn’t know you had to join a club to enjoy tea & biscuits!
Off to the castle……
Off to the CastleWalking to the ‘Keep’. Chris, on the right, probably thinking “come on Kim, how long do you need to look at a view?!”The steps and door are called a Sally PortThe steps lead to a dry moat, and would allow the defenders to make ‘sallies’ (defensive manoeuvres) without compromising the defence of the Keep. Hence ‘to sallie forth’This is a family residence for the Duke of NorfolkOn top of the Keep
And now interior photos…..
Ready for anything Role play!Lots of passageways Shaun trying out one of the beds for sizeThis table setting is still used by the familyThe armouryArmaments displayThe family don’t have far to go to church – they have their own private cathedral!Cute little St Martin’s chapel
The story behind the chapel…..
The story behind St Martin
Some of the rooms in the castle
One of the sitting roomsAnother sitting room How about this for a library!
Some of the spacious guest bedrooms
One of the guest roomsAnother guest room
And my favourite! I particularly love the ceiling which depicts trees from the garden
The other half of the bedroomBedroom with a charming alcove
Guest bathrooms
Guest bathroom – bath on left and a desk by the window!Huge bathrooms
Some of the beautiful, valuable objects in the castle
Gold spurs belonged to Winston ChurchillFunky chariot shipVery cute sleigh Pearls worn by Mary Queen of Scotland Ornate carved pillar Lovely tapestry on staircase
We then had a look around the gardens. A lovely day!
Two Roses in the gardenTea partyLovely place to sit and read or just chillAmazing what you see through a hole in the hedge!
Such a cool effect.
Crown suspended on fountain This crown rotated on the water jet, amazing effect
Traveling Further 