Arundel 

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Historical notes about the Town of Arundel

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle

Arundel Castle is, of course, in a superb position, and, in speaking of its outlook, superlatives are justified. Beneath it, cutting a deep gap in the chalky ridge, flows the River Arun, tidal as far as the town, and navigable for small vessels as far as the bridge. The view of the hill from a little distance away is indeed striking. The rise of the downs, suggesting an old cliff, recalls the times, in the misty past, when the tide covered the pleasant meadows that we see all around us today, e'er ever the waters receded. The fine old keep and its attendant buildings crowning the wooded summit make Arundel one of the most effective eminences in England. Everything joins in touching the note of harmony; nothing jars the eye. In the days before Saxon and Norman came there were numerous earthworks, the strong places of the Britons. The first castle was certainly there in Alfred's reign, and, apparently, a royal fortress, for he bequeathed it to his nephew, Athelm. Again, one builder of Arundel was Bevis. This worthy was a knight of Southampton, living and heaping up undying fame before the time of the Conquest. A great warrior was this Sir Bevis, and a slayer of dragons. There is, as a matter of fact, very little tangible evidence in support of his reputed connection with either Southampton or Arundel.

However, mediaeval lore has turned him into a figure of romance worthy to be classed with Guy of Warwick and Robin Hood, so let us not doubt the legends of his prowess, or that he was the first chatelaine of the great castle on Arundel's woody hill. His name is still kept in Bevis's Tower, a barbican tower in the park. Of the castle itself the keep remains, circular and Norman, of Caen stone without, and flint in the interior. The buildings that were destroyed in 1644, after the capture of the castle by the Parliamentarian troops, were rebuilt, and, of late, have been transmogrified into the thirteenth century period. As to the success of this experiment opinions differ.

William the Conqueror granted the castle to his trusty henchman Roger de Montgomery, one of the most powerful of the Norman barons, and during the next five hundred years it changed hands several times, staying for the longest period with the Fitz-Alans, a matter of three hundred years. Of war, of course, it saw plenty, being the object of three sieges. The first was in 1102. Roger de Montgomery's son, Robert de Belesme, held it, but in his absence the castle was surrendered to Henry I, who gave it to his wife, Queen Adeliza. Thirty-seven years later, in Stephen's troubled reign, it was attacked by the King himself, for Queen Matilda had taken refuge there with Adeliza. The last siege, during the Civil Wars, was short and vigorous. The castle was garrisoned by some of the gentlemen of Sussex. Sir William Waller, a Parliamentarian General, started his proceedings by clearing the town of Royalists and driving them into the castle. This was a sound move, for it isolated and concentrated his enemy in the castle, where he could deal with them undisturbed. On the church tower he mounted a couple of guns, training them on to the western side of the castle, and he quickly placed more batteries in position. The defending troops in the castle had, of course, great advantages of position, but these were reduced and minimised by the crowding of so many in a small space, lack of food and water, and by admirably directed fire from Waller's guns. The siege lasted a little over a fortnight. After capitulation, the majority of the buildings were, as has been said, destroyed.

The Earls of Arundel have been rather an unfortunate family. To go back to Edmund Fitz-Alan: he stood by his king, Edward II, to the end, and was murdered before his king's eyes at Bristol. His grandson, Richard, was beheaded for conspiracy, again in his king's presence, Richard II this time. A third fell on the field of battle, and Queen Elizabeth packed another Fitz-Alan off to prison. Of the Howards, the first Duke of Norfolk, "Jockey of Norfolk," was killed fighting for Richard Crookback at Bosworth Field. Later, a descendant, the brilliant Earl of Surrey, was beheaded; the fourth Duke, who aspired to the hand of Mary Stuart, lucklessly shared her fate, and his, debarred the title and estates, died, a prisoner already condemned to death, in the Tower of London. The title was, however, revived in the family's favour at the Restoration.

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Historic images from around the Town of Arundel

This small selection of historic images of Arundel are from our British National Image Library. You may click on the thumbnail pictures to view larger versions and read what information we have regarding the image.

Ancient Arms of The Marshall of England

The Barbican Arundel Castle

The River Arun

Arundel Castle Tilting Yard

Arundel Castle circa 1926

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Public Events in and around Arundel

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Hotels, Apartments and B&B's in Arundel

The visitor accommodation options for Arundel listed below are supplied by LATE ROOMS and BOOKING.COM from a selection of over 16,000 hotels located throughout the UK.

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 Hilton Avisford Park 

 

 Norfolk Arms Hotel 

 

 Swan Hotel 

 

 White Swan Hotel 

 

 Arundel Park Hotel 

 

 Angel Cottage 

 

 Arden House 

 

 Daisy Cottage