The first castle at Kenilworth was built 50 years after the Norman conquest. Henry II took over the castle 50 years later, to counter an attack from his son's rebel army. It was then radically extended by King John, who also transformed the mere (great lake) into one of the castle's most glorious features.

In 1253, Henry III gave the castle to Simon de Montfort. The de Montforts turned against the Crown in the Barons' War of 1266 and the castle was besieged. They held out for almost nine months, until disease took its toll and the de Montforts surrendered.

Later, Edward II was briefly imprisoned here before being taken to Berkeley Castle and hideously murdered in 1326. Henry V retired here after defeating the French at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. He built himself a banqueting house, forming part of The Pleasaunce, on the other side of the lake.

In the sixteenth century, the castle was acquired by the Dudley family. John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland and effectively ruler of England in the reign of the boy king Edward VI, was executed for trying to place his daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Grey, on the throne in 1553. His son Robert was, though, a favourite of Elizabeth I and so Kenilworth was given back to the family. Robert then transformed it, so that he could entertain Elizabeth in magnificent style.

Tales woven by Sir Walter Scott in his book Kenilworth (1821) concerning Dudley, his wife who died in strange circumstances and the Virgin Queen still lend extra glamour to the castle, but it never saw such glories again. After the Civil War, Kenilworth was partially demolished by Parliamentary troops; it fell into ruin and its great lake was drained away.

The Castle was saved for the nation in 1938. It remains a powerful reminder of great leaders, their glories, pleasures and rebellions. It also offers stunning views over a countryside now at peace.