The Great Tower

The great tower, an impressive purpose-built apartment block, displayed the importance and wealth of the Fitzalan family.

The great tower, depicted here in the 14th century, housed a communal hall on the first floor. Above it were two suites of rooms with small bedchambers in the far corners. (Drawing by Peter Urmston) © English Heritage In 1292, Richard Fitzalan succeeded to the title of Earl of Arundel and inherited large estates in Sussex in addition to his marcher lands. It is likely that he built the tower as an extension to the castle to display his new powerful position.

The building provided luxury accommodation for important guests and was probably used when hunting parties stayed at the castle. It was designed to look like an old Norman keep, possibly to demonstrate the long ancestral history of the Fitzalans.

The tower was certainly built for show rather than defence; its size and dramatic position on the side of the motte made it vulnerable to undermining, and the arrow loops in the corner towers were false.

The Fitzalan family held the Barony for the next 300 years. Shrewd investments and management of their Shropshire and Sussex estates brought them great wealth and influence, making them one of the richest families in England.