Kenilworth started as a royal estate of Stoneleigh that King Henry I gave to his chamberlain, Geoffrey de Clinton, about 50 years after the Norman Conquest. Geoffrey built a castle with a park for hunting and founded a priory. However, it was John of Gaunt, the 4th son of King Edward III that transformed Kenilworth into a gorgeous palace. Most of the construction happened between 1389 and 1394.

After the Dissolution of the Monasteries about 1538, Henry VIII gave Kenilworth Abbey to John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland who became Lord Protector of King Edward VI after Henry VIII died. John was the second most powerful man in England , after the King. He obtained Kenilworth Castle in 1533 under Edward’s reign. Eventually, Dudley was put to death for putting his daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead of Mary I, who was the rightful heir.

Robert Dudley, John Dudley’s son, was able to gain Kenilworth 10 years later. Being Queen Elizabeth I’s favorite courtier, he received lavish titles such as Master of the Horse and the Earl of Leicester . He transformed the castle into a beautiful Tudor palace, making it fancy enough to entertain royal visitors since as Elizabeth herself. He built a new gatehouse, garden and stable, and remodeled the medieval hall.

Queen Elizabeth went on a royal progress each year, visiting the castles and palaces of her subjects all over the country. Elizabeth visited Dudley at Kenilworth in 1566, 1568, 1572 and 1575. Her most famous visit was in July 1575, where she was entertained for 19 days. When she arrived on July 9, 1575, she was greeted by the Lady of the Lake, standing on a floating island. She was also greeted with fun salute and fireworks, and spent her days with grand feasts, music, plays, and hunting. It is said that William Shakespeare saw Elizabeth ‘s visit to Kenilworth and used it for his inspiration for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.