Information for record number MWA10357:
Kenilworth Castle, Gatehouse

Summary The gatehouse at Kenilworth Castle formed part of major refurbishment carried out by the Earl of Leicester at some time around 1570. The gatehouse is situated approximately 50m to the NE of the Castle.
What Is It?  
Type: Gatehouse
Period: Post-medieval (1500 AD - 1600 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Kenilworth
District: Warwick, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 27 72
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Level of Protection National - Listed Building (Grade: I)
Sites & Monuments Record
Description

  
Source Number  

1 The present gatehouse formed part of major refurbishment carried out by the Earl of Leicester at some time around 1570. The building has subsequently undergone alterations. In 2007, archaeological recording took place during repair works to the bay window ceiling in Kenilworth Castle gatehouse.
2 No archaeological finds or features were recorded from the garden to the west of the gatehouse during observation during removal of yew trees.
3
4 A detailed recording of the floors of the ground floor of the gatehouse was carried out in February 2011.
5 A small trial trench was excavated to the south of the gatehouse, to cap a leaking water pipe. The trench cut through a series of archaeological layers, the earliest containing Cistercian ware and Midlands Purple (15th-17th century) pottery, which may be a buried topsoil associated with the construction of the gatehouse, c1570.
 
Sources
Source No: 1
Source Type: Archaeological Report
Title: Archaeological Recording of the Bay Window, Leicester's Gatehouse, Kenilworth Castle
Author/originator: Couts Dr C
Date: 2007
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 5
Source Type: Evaluation Report
Title: Archaeological Trial Trenching South of Leicester's Gatehouse, Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Author/originator: C Coutts
Date: 2008
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: 0810
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Observation Report
Title: Archaeological recording during the removal of yew trees at Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth, Warwickshire
Author/originator: C Coutts
Date: 2009
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Observation Report
Title: Archaeological recording of the floors in the ground floor of Leicester's Gatehouse, Kenilworth Castle, Warwickshire
Author/originator: Coutts C
Date: 2011
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: Report 1103
   
Source No: 4
Source Type: Serial
Title: West Midlands Archaeology Vol 54
Author/originator: CBA West Midlands
Date: 2012
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet: 54
   
Images:  
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
designation Listed Building Buildings and structures, such as bridges, that are of architectural or historical importance are placed on a statutory list. These buildings are protected by planning and conservation acts that ensure that their special features of interest are considered before any alterations are made to them.

Depending on how important the buildings are they are classed as Grade I, Grade II* or Grade II. Grade I buildings are those of exceptional interest. Grade II* are particularly important buildings of more than special interest. Those listed as Grade II are those buildings that are regarded of special interest.
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technique Trial Trench A small regular hole that is usually square or rectangular in shape. Archaeologists dig trial trenches to discover if there are any archaeological remains at a particular location. See also excavation. back
period Medieval 1066 AD to 1539 AD (the 11th century AD to the 16th century AD)

The medieval period comes after the Saxon period and before the post medieval period.

The Medieval period begins in 1066 AD.
This was the year that the Normans, led by William the Conqueror (1066 – 1087), invaded England and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in East Sussex.
The Medieval period includes the first half of the Tudor period (1485 – 1603 AD), when the Tudor family reigned in England and eventually in Scotland too.

The end of the Medieval period is marked by Henry VIII’s (1509 – 1547) order for the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the years running up to 1539 AD. The whole of this period is sometimes called the Middle Ages.
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monument LAYER * An archaeological unit of soil in a horizontal plane which may seal features or be cut through by other features. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument FLOOR * A layer of stone, brick or boards, etc, on which people tread. Use broader site type where known. back
monument FEATURE * Areas of indeterminate function. back
monument CASTLE * A fortress and dwelling, usually medieval in origin, and often consisting of a keep, curtain wall and towers etc. back
monument GATEHOUSE * A gateway with one or more chambers over the entrance arch; the flanking towers housing stairs and additional rooms. Use with wider site type where known. back
monument WATER PIPE * A pipe through which water is conducted. back
monument TRENCH * An excavation used as a means of concealment, protection or both. back
monument GARDEN * An enclosed piece of ground devoted to the cultivation of flowers, fruit or vegetables and/or recreational purposes. Use more specific type where known. back
monument WORKS * Usually a complex of buildings for the processing of raw materials. Use specific type where known. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record