How ‘gaunt’ John helped to shape Kenilworth
John O'Gaunt's modifications turned Kenilworth Castle into a palace.
THE story of one of the most powerful noblemen of the 14th century’s links to Kenilworth will be told as part of Heritage Open Days on Friday September 7.
The Power and the Passion, a talk by Kenilworth History and Archaeology Society chairman Jan Cooper about John O’Gaunt, will be given at Jubilee House in Smalley Place at 7.30pm.
John O’Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, acted as protector for the young Richard II, and remodelled Kenilworth Castle into a palace, building the hall and private apartments overlooking the mere.
The great hall, with its hammer-beam roof, was the prototype for Westminster Hall.
John O’Gaunt is also well known as the patron and brother in law of Chaucer. Originally from Ghent, the name Gaunt was given to him when he became unpopular later in life.
His son, Henry Bolingbroke, eventually deposed Richard and became Henry IV, meaning that Kenilworth was once again royal property - something that continued through to the reign of Elizabeth I.
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Weather for Kenilworth
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
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