The History of Warwick Castle - the Wars of the Roses
History moved on and England enters the period of civil disorder and political instability known as the Wars of the Roses. Richard Neville, the 16th Earl of Warwick, was a Yorkist, and when he helped Edward IV the son of the Duke of York, to become king he became very powerful. He then argued with the King and was branded a traitor. Warwick then changes allegiances and turns Lancastrian when he defeats Edward IV and restores Henry VI to power! He is given the name 'Warwick the Kingmaker'. Warwick the Kingmaker loses his life at the Battle of Barnet when Edward IV defeats and kills him. The following Earls of Warwick are branded as traitors and executed, temporarily ending the title of the Earl of Warwick... The History of Warwick Castle - the Castle of the Kings
Richard III took ownership of Warwick Castle until he fell in the Battle of Bosworth Field to Henry Tudor. The Tudor Kings also keep Warwick Castle to themselves ensuring the power and influence of the nobility is contained! The History of Warwick Castle - the John Dudley and the tragic Lady Jane Grey
The History of Warwick castle enters another period of murder, executions, treachery and intrigue starting with the short reign of King Henry VIII's son Edward V. John Dudley is created the Earl of Warwick, Chancellor of England and Duke of Northumberland which makes him the most powerful noble in England. The young King was sick and Dudley realises that if the King dies, and either of his sisters take the crown, that Dudley will lose his power and probably his head. John Dudley plots with the Earl of Suffolk and arranges the marriage of his son, Guildford Dudley, to the Suffolk's daughter, Lady Jane Grey. The young king dies and Lady Jane Grey, John Dudley's daughter-in-law is pronounced Queen of England. She only reigns for nine days and the rightful Queen Mary takes the crown. The powerful John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, was beheaded for treason. The earldom of Warwick is granted to the Rich family but Warwick Castle is passed to Sir Fulke Greville. A poet and courtier Sir Fulke Greville was murdered and his ghost is said to haunt Warwick Castle. The History of Warwick Castle - the Civil War and Warwick castle is put under siege by the Royalists
An ardent Puritan, Sir Robert Greville, Earl of Warwick, was imprisoned by King Charles I for refusing to take an oath to fight for the king. He became an active member of the parliamentary party. In 1642 Civil war broke out between King and parliament and Warwick Castle successfully withstands a siege by Royalist troops. The History of Warwick Castle - the castle is improved
Charles II was restored to the throne and the history of Warwick Castle saw its bloody role decline and the castle saw many improvements including those of Capability Brown who was employed by Francis Greville to lay out the grounds of Warwick Castle. The castle became palatial with some wonderful additions. The History of Warwick Castle survives two World Wars but is nearly destroyed by Fire!
In 1978 the Earl of Warwick's son, David, sold the Castle to the Tussard's group, the company which owns Madame Tussaud's in London. The History of Warwick castle concludes as the Tussard's group carry out extensive restorations to the castle and open it to the public. | 
