Views fit for a queen for first time in centuries
View of Leicesters Building which will be transformed by viewing platforms. Picture submitted
KENILWORTH Castle will proudly show off views not seen in centuries thanks to plans by plans by English Heritage to transform the remains with innovative viewing platforms.
Planning permission has been granted for viewing platforms to be installed inside the castle’s Leicester’s Building to give visitors a chance to finally see views fit for a queen.
The platforms will give a peek inside areas not seen since the Civil War when the building was used to show off grand views over the castle grounds once enjoyed by Elizabeth I.
When it was built specially for the Queen’s visit in 1571, Leicester’s Building was one of the most spectacular works of architecture of its day and designed to provide her majesty with top accommodation and breathtaking views over Robert Dudley’s estate.
Currently, the building - which once had enormous glass windows overlooking the castle - stands in ruin and can only be seen from the basement and ground floor levels, obscuring these same views for the 20th century public.
But this month work will begin to construct platforms on three floors inside to allow people to see out over the grounds once again and bring the building back to life to give an insight into times gone by in the town.
Holly Woodward, property manager at Kenilworth Castle, said work will allow people to get as high as 18 metres into the building for the first time in centuries, and stand on the spot where the queen herself once stood.
“Leicester’s Building is an extremely important part of the Elizabeth and Dudley story, so it is wonderful that these plans have been approved, enabling us to explore another aspect of her visit,” she said.
“We are delighted with the positive feedback from local people and are very much looking forward to unveiling the new platforms early this summer.”
She said interpretation panels will also help give a better idea of where the castle sat in the grounds and dominated the town to help complete the transformation of the castle’s ruined building.
Kenilworth Castle currently has viewing platforms over the Elizabethan Garden and John of Gaunt’s Hall to land which was once submerged under the great mere.
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Weather for Kenilworth
Friday 24 May 2013
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