Warwick Castle, Right in the Heart of England
If you're looking for a place filled with a lot of history, then this is definitely an option if you are in the area. We've gone to Warwick castle various times over the years and I always learn something new!
The Dungeon: If You Like Being Creeped Out
This place seriously gives me the creeps every time I go. There are these really tight spaces where prisoners would be dropped in with no room to even turn around. People would just be left there and fed through a tiny window that can be accessed outside of the castle. I get claustrophobic just thinking about it!
The chamber dates way back to the castle's early origins in the 11th century. To start, it was designed to be a defense against invaders but it had many functions throughout the centuries.
In its early years, the dungeon was primarily used as a storage space for food, supplies, and even prisoners of war. However, as time went on, it gained a reputation as a place of horror and torture during the medieval era.
Political and military adversaries were locked up there, experiencing harsh conditions and horrible treatment. The dungeon was an awful place during this time, talked about in scary stories all around the country.
These days visitors can explore the recreated dungeon, getting a glimpse into the grim past and the tales of the poor folks who ended up stuck in there.
Ye Olde Privy
In medieval days, using a toilet was quite a different experience compared to modern times. The castle's toilets were typically simple stone seats with holes, situated on the walls of the castle's towers. These holes would open directly to the outside allowing waste to fall directly into the castle's ditch.
The seat itself was usually made of stone or wood and was far from the comfortable porcelain thrones we're accustomed to today.
I only managed to get a photo of the toilet pictured below, which was obviously not made of stone. I think this one belonged to someone very important living within the castle walls. Or perhaps it was upgraded in later years?
Privacy was a luxury that few enjoyed in these early privies, as multiple seats would often be placed side by side without partitions. If you were lucky, there might be a curtain for a modicum of personal space.
And, of course, there were no flushing mechanisms – waste would be exposed to the elements and decay over time. Can you imagine what that must have smelled like walking around the perimeter of the castle? The stuff they never talk about in the period piece television shows.
The Trebuchet Demonstration
This is a pretty cool spectacle that brings history to life in a jaw-dropping manner. It's been a few years since I visited, so I'm not sure if this is still going going on daily. However it is awesome to see if you get a chance.
The enormous trebuchet, was reconstructed in a manner faithful to the original is as a testament to the genius of medieval engineering. When you see this thing in action, you wonder how the heck people were able to build such things so long ago.
As the demonstration starts everyone gets super quiet. The trebuchet crew, dressed in period attire, contraption. Then with a powerful thunderous force, the massive wooden arm swings and a projectile hurtles through the air.
It feels like the ground moves a little and then the audience lets out a huge cheer and applause. For a minute you feel as if you've been transported back in time and imagine what it must have been like to experience this when all of this was state of the art!
Amazing Recreations Inside
Warwick Castle boasts an array of interesting recreations inside, each representing different points in history. Every exhibit shows an example of life as it was centuries ago.
As you walk though all of the different rooms and wings of the castle you come across an array of props and wax figures positioned as if they were frozen in time. They've gone to a lot of pains to make the experience feel authentic. Not like I'd be able to tell the difference, though!
Visiting Warwick Castle really feels like taking a time machine to the past. Plus, there are fun things for the whole family to enjoy - so, if you're into history, architecture, or just looking for an awesome family adventure, make sure to plan a trip to Warwick Castle. It's a place where the past comes alive!
I would really appreciate your support!
