Fit for a Royal Valentine
English Heritage Invites Modern Day Lovers to the Castle that Seduced a Queen
Couples searching for the ultimate romantic venue in which to spend Valentine's Day are invited to Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, the setting of one of history's most enduring love stories – that of Elizabeth I and her favourite Lord Robert Dudley.
The inspiration behind Sir Walter Scott's romantic novel Kenilworth, the ruined sandstone castle sparkles golden in the low winter light. It is a fairytale setting and a truly atmospheric place to spend the most romantic day of the year. It is also the setting of a magnificent pleasure garden, built by Lord Dudley to woo his Queen, that is currently being recreated by English Heritage.
Exquisite carved arbours, a bejewelled aviary, planting abundant in colour, and perfumed plants and fruit trees are just some of the glories of the garden that visitors to Kenilworth Castle will soon be able to enjoy.
Work is still being carried out to re-create the garden which does not officially open until May, however, the garden will be open for a special preview for visitors on Valentine's Day who can also enjoy the rest of the castle's romantic setting.
Should any would-be Valentine's Day suitors be inspired to 'pop the question' then English Heritage will be delighted to help them celebrate by providing complimentary champagne and roses. Please ring the castle on 01926 852078 to let them know when you would like to come along on the day.
In an age known for its extravagance, the garden was intended to dazzle and impress the Queen during her 19 day visit in 1575, a time when Lord Dudley, owner of the castle, was taking every opportunity to position himself as a worthy consort.
Re-creating The Garden
The re-creation of the garden by English Heritage has been made possible by the survival of a remarkable eye-witness account of visiting the garden in 1575 written by one Robert Langham, a cloth merchant within the Court.
Langham's letter describes an earthly paradise designed to engage all the senses. The sound of water and birdsong, the scent of flowers, the shade and privacy of arbours, the feel of sand or grass beneath the feet and the promise of sweet tasting fruit, to 'taste of delicious strawberries; to smell such fragrancy of sweet odours breathing from the plants, herbs and flowers; such natural melodious music and tunes of birds, the fountains streaming and the fish swimming'.
The garden was a private space for the Queen and provided opportunities for Dudley to woo her, away from the prying eye and gossip of the Court. The garden was full of allegory and symbolism that would have been easily 'read' and understood by the select few permitted to walk inside the garden's walls.
Plants were chosen for their meaning as much as their colour and scent, such as roses (love and royalty), carnations (gentleness/love and affection) cherries (maidenhood) and wild strawberries (the fruits of righteousness).
One of the garden's most erotic elements, which has yet to be put in place by English Heritage, is the 18ft high marble fountain featuring naked sculptures based on Ovid's Metamorphoses. The use of human statuary was not common in English gardens at the time so the fountain must have been considered remarkable and titillating. Langham writes that 'Here were things, ye see, might inflame any mind too long after looking'.
Hidden at the base of the fountain was a water 'surprise', a hidden pipe to spray those overcome by the erotic images with a cooling jet of water.
Despite all of Dudley's efforts, when the Queen left Kenilworth no formal engagement was forthcoming, and although she remained on the best of terms with Dudley, Elizabeth never returned to Kenilworth.
When it reopens in May 2009 the garden will provide the ultimate romantic backdrop for weddings. The Castle's Gatehouse, built by Dudley as a grand entrance for the Queen and with views over the garden, is licensed to hold wedding ceremonies and the garden will be available for receptions.
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