The Dukes of Norfolk
The castle was founded in 1067 by Roger de Montgomery, who was the Earl of Arundel at the time.
It has always been the historic home of the Dukes of Norfolk and Earls of Arundel.
The Duke in charge today is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, the 18th Duke of Norfolk. As the dukes also hold the title of Earl Marshall, they have the duty of organising state occasions, like the coronation of a monarch.
Because of this, the current duke was responsible for organising the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the coronation of King Charles III in May, 2023.
Today, he lives in the castle along with his wife and their children.
While some of the dukes of the castle are known for such great reasons, others are not seen in the same way.
For example, Thomas Howard, the 4th Duke of Norfolk (1538-1572), was executed for his intrigues against Queen Elizabeth I.
The castle today
The castle has been a location for shooting the scenes for some of the most popular movies.
These include: Wonder Woman, 2017; Henry VIII, 2003; Doctor Who- Silver Nemesis:Part One, 1989 and many more.
‘It reminded me of the movie Frozen so much’, my mum said in awe after visiting the castle.
The village in the movie is called Arendelle and the castle itself looks as magnificent. However, the inspiration for Arendelle was taken from other villages, in Norway.
I can definitely see how people could be inspired by the building. It is still standing after having undergone so much.
It was damaged the most during the Civil War(1642-1645). It was besieged twice – by the Royalists and then by Cromwell’s Parliamentarian force.
The castle was left standing like that up until 1718, when the 8th Duke of Norfolk decided to repair it.
Only being next to the castle or walking by it makes you imagine what it used to look like before.
All the blood that was shed just to defend it, keep it safe. Let us respect its history and everyone who played a part in building it.
We should appreciate locations like Arundel existing in our World today.
