Ward James - Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire Art Print

An archival premium Quality Art Print of the Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire England by James Ward for sale by Brandywine General Store. This oil on panel was completed by Ward in 1840. The scene shows the magnificent castle setting on top of hill with the town of Kenilworth showing in the background. In the foreground the castle workers were splitting and hauling in wood, of which many trees had to be cut to heat a huge castle of this size. Kenilworth Castle has been intimately linked with some of the most important names in English history. Today, with its Tudor gardens, its impressive Norman ‘keep’ and John of Gaunt’s Great Hall, it is the largest castle ruin in England. This Museum Quality Giclee Print is available in sizes from 9 by 17 up to a large wide format size of 44 by 83 so you can find the perfect size print or canvas you need for your interior decorating needs for home, business or office. The first castle at Kenilworth was built 50 years after the Norman conquest, being started around the year 1120. Henry II took over the castle 50 years later, to counter an attack from his son’s rebel army. It was then radically extended by King John, who also transformed the mere (great lake) into one of its most glorious features. Kenilworth stayed in royal hands until 1253, when it was given to Simon de Montfort by Henry III. The de Montforts turned against the Crown in the Barons’ War in 1266, and the castle was besieged. Well-stocked with food, it managed to hold out for almost nine months before disease took its toll and surrender came. This is believed to be the longest siege ever in England's long history. Later, Edward II was briefly imprisoned here, before being taken to Berkeley Castle and hideously murdered in 1326. Henry V retired here after defeating the French at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. He built himself a banqueting house, The Pleasaunce, on the other side of the lake. The castle took center stage again in the 16th century, when it was acquired by the Dudley family. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland and effectively ruler of England in the reign of the boy-king Edward VI, was executed for trying to place his daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Grey, on the throne in 1553. His son, Robert, was a great favourite of Elizabeth I. Kenilworth was given back to him and he transformed it into a place fit for her to visit. Tales woven by Sir Walter Scott, in his novel Kenilworth (1821), around Dudley, his wife (who died in mysterious circumstances) and the Virgin Queen still give extra glamour to the castle. Kenilworth never saw such glories again. After the Civil War it was partially demolished by Parliamentary troops. Over the years it was allowed to fall further into ruin, and the lake drained away. The castle was saved for the nation in 1938. It remains a powerful reminder of great men, their glories, pleasures and rebellions, and offers glorious views over a countryside now at peace. Due to the destruction by the Parliamentary troop and neglect, today only two buildings of the great Kenilworth Castle are inhabitable. This is still a very popular tourist attraction due to the long history and intrigue that happened in these walls and also because of Sir Walter Scotts Novel. Famous artists print #15