Arundel Castle followed this trend. In the early 12th century, the wooden keep was replaced with a massive stone keep, constructed in the Romanesque style prevalent in Norman architecture. This stone keep stood approximately 80 feet tall, with thick walls and narrow windows, designed primarily for defense rather than comfort.
This transformation from wood to stone signaled Arundel Castle's growing importance as a noble residence and military stronghold. The stone keep was complemented by curtain walls and towers encircling the bailey, forming an imposing fortress.
Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle underwent various modifications and expansions, reflecting the changing needs of its occupants and evolving military technology. The addition of gatehouses, barbicans (outer defensive works), and arrow slits improved its defensive capabilities.
The FitzAlan Earls of Arundel
Arundel Castle's history is deeply intertwined with the FitzAlan family, who became Earls of Arundel in the late 12th century. The FitzAlans were a powerful noble dynasty, and their stewardship of the castle helped establish it as a major seat of aristocratic power in England.
The first FitzAlan to acquire the castle was William FitzAlan, who married into the de Warenne family, heirs of the previous lords of Arundel. Over the centuries, the FitzAlans expanded and renovated the castle, adapting it from a purely military fortress into a more comfortable noble residence.
One notable FitzAlan Earl was Richard FitzAlan, the 10th Earl of Arundel (1266–1302), who participated in the Barons’ Wars against King Edward I and played a key role in the politics of the time. The FitzAlans' loyalty and influence often shifted with the turbulent currents of English royal power struggles, impacting the castle's fortunes.
The castle was also used as a royal prison and a place of sanctuary during periods of civil unrest, reflecting its strategic and symbolic importance. shutdown123