So this past Saturday I went with AIU students to Warwick Castle, it was beautiful! Here's a little history lesson on this castle:
The castle was built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and was used as a fortification until the early 17th century, when Sir Fulke Greville converted it into a country house. It was owned by the Greville family, who became earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978. From 1088, the castle traditionally belonged to the Earl of Warwick and it served as a symbol of his power. The castle was taken in 1153 by Henry of Anjou, and later Henry II. It has been used to hold prisoners, including some from the Battle of Poitiers in the 14th century. Richard Neville, also known as "Warwick the Kingmaker" owned Warwick castle and was used in the 15th century to imprison the English king, Edward IV.
Since its construction in the 11th century, the castle has undergone structural changes with additions of towers and redesigned residential buildings. Originally a wooden motte-and-bailey, it was rebuilt in stone in the 12th century. During the Hundred Year War, the facade opposite the town was refortified, resulting in one of the most recognizable examples of 14th century military architecture.
In the 17th century the grounds were turned into a garden. The castle's defences were enhanced in the 1640s to prepare the castle for action in the English Civil War.Robert Greville 2nd Baron Brooke, was a Parliamentarian, and Royalist forces laid siege to the castle. Warwick Castle withstood the siege and was later used to hold prisoners taken by the Parliamentarians.The Tussauds Group purchased Warwick Castle in 1978 and opened it as a tourist attraction. It is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building.
After climbing 536 steps to the top of one of the castles winding staircases, I was able to see an astounding view from the top! It was gorgeous, all the fields with sheep, a river, and the towns surrounding the castle. It will be a view I will never forget!
On to Stratford we went, the city Shakespeare lived in and was buried in. I got to visit the house where he grew up, which is in some of my photos. I was also taken to his wife's cottage, Ann Hatheway. They were known to have a scandalous relationship because he was 18 and she was 26 when they got married and she was 3 months pregnant when they tied the knot. Also, in Stratford I got to have traditional English breakfast tea and a crumpet with my two friends Haley and Monica. It was delicious!!! They have this amazing cream or butter like stuff that you put on the crumpet, which is like a biscuit and then some jelly to make it sweet. It definitely hit the spot, yummmmy!
On Tuesday night I went to see King Lear, a Shakespearean play at the Roundhouse. The roundhouse was really a neat stage and it actually was round. When I walked in to be seated, I was basically backstage and there were ramps for people to get to their seats as well as the actors to run out when it was their scene. I could also see one of the actresses getting her makeup retouched because the entrance to my seat was literally behind the set. I thought the acting was really good, but I was a bit confused with the middle english they used, kind of hard to follow. I thought it was a good performance though.
Tonight, I just saw Billy Elliot the musical. It's basically about a boy who gives up boxing for ballet and times are hard because the town is going through unemployment. His father is a miner and does not want him dancing, until he is convinced Billy has a shot at something. Overall, I really enjoyed this show, very fun and the boy that played Billy was such a great dancer and actor!
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