The stone keep, a large fortified tower, was built around 1100 and still stands today as the heart of the castle. This impressive structure provided not only defense but also living quarters and symbolized the lord’s power. The surrounding curtain walls, towers, and gatehouses enhanced the castle’s defensibility.
Arundel Castle became the principal seat of the Earls of Arundel, a noble title held by the FitzAlan family from the late 12th century. The FitzAlans were one of the most prominent aristocratic families in England, and their residence at Arundel reinforced the castle’s importance as a political and social center.
The castle’s role expanded beyond military defense to encompass administration of the local estates and justice. Over time, it evolved into a lavish noble residence with gardens, chapels, and great halls reflecting the wealth and status of its owners.
Role in the Wars of the Roses and Later Medieval Conflicts
The Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), a dynastic struggle between the Houses of Lancaster and York for control of the English throne, had a profound impact on Arundel Castle and its owners.
The FitzAlan family sided with the Lancastrians, and Arundel Castle became a Lancastrian stronghold. During the conflict, the castle was besieged and damaged several times. In 1462, it was seized by Yorkist forces under the future King Edward IV, but later returned to the FitzAlans after the Lancastrian victory at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471.
The conflict weakened many noble houses and damaged numerous castles, but Arundel’s strategic and symbolic importance ensured its survival. After the Wars of the Roses, the castle’s owners, now elevated to the Dukes of Norfolk through marriage, focused more on residential comfort and less on military fortification. shutdown123