Arundel Castle: Norman History, Dukes of Norfolk & West Sussex
Explore nearly a thousand years of English history at one of the most recognisable castles in southern England, from its Norman motte and medieval defences to the Dukes of Norfolk and its remarkable Victorian rebuilding.
Arundel Castle rises above the historic town of Arundel and the River Arun, creating one of the most dramatic landmarks in West Sussex.
Its history stretches from the Norman Conquest through medieval England, the Tudor period, the English Civil War and the Victorian age. Today it combines surviving medieval fortifications with later architectural layers, collections, gardens and centuries of family history.
A Norman Castle
After the Norman Conquest, Roger de Montgomery became Earl of Arundel and received extensive lands in Sussex.
The castle's oldest surviving landscape feature is the enormous motte, constructed in 1068. The gatehouse followed in about 1070.
These early defences formed part of a motte-and-bailey castle designed to control the surrounding territory and important routes through Sussex.
A Castle That Never Stopped Changing
Arundel is remarkable because it did not remain frozen in one historical period. Successive generations repaired, enlarged and transformed the site.
Medieval stone defences stand alongside buildings altered after the Civil War and major nineteenth-century Gothic reconstruction.
The result is a castle where almost a thousand years of architectural history can be read within one complex.
A Short History of Arundel Castle
The Norman Motte and Keep
The motte is the oldest major surviving element of the castle. It is an enormous artificial mound created soon after the Norman Conquest.
The first fortification on its summit would have been timber. During the twelfth century this was replaced by a stone shell keep, creating the powerful defensive structure that survives today.
Historic England identifies the castle as an important example of an early post-Conquest motte-and-bailey fortress and notes its unusual twin-bailey layout.
The Fitzalans, Howards and Dukes of Norfolk
The history of Arundel Castle is closely connected with some of the most influential noble families in English history.
The castle passed from the d'Albini family to the Fitzalans in the thirteenth century and later through inheritance to the Howard family.
The Howards became central figures in Tudor and later English history. Members of the wider family included military commanders, courtiers, poets and leading political figures.
Arundel Castle has been the seat of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for more than eight centuries.
Arundel Castle During the Civil War
The English Civil War brought major destruction to Arundel. The castle was twice besieged during the conflict.
Royalist forces first took control of the site, but a Parliamentarian army commanded by Sir William Waller subsequently captured it.
The fighting caused extensive damage, and major repairs were delayed for decades after the conflict.
The Victorian Castle
Although Arundel retains important medieval fabric, much of the dramatic residential architecture seen today reflects nineteenth-century rebuilding.
Between the 1870s and the beginning of the twentieth century, large sections were reconstructed in an elaborate Gothic style.
The work created a Victorian interpretation of a great medieval castle while retaining significant earlier features including the Norman keep, gatehouse and defensive structures.
Historic Features to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters | Period / Character |
|---|---|---|
| Norman Motte | The enormous artificial mound at the centre of the original fortress. | 1068 |
| Shell Keep | Stone fortification built on the motte, replacing the earlier timber keep. | 12th century |
| Gatehouse & Barbican | Part of the castle's medieval defensive system, including gates, towers, portcullis and drawbridge. | Medieval |
| Fitzalan Chapel | Historic chapel founded in 1380 by the 4th Earl of Arundel. | 14th century onwards |
| Barons' Hall | A major ceremonial interior reflecting later phases of castle rebuilding. | Historic / Victorian development |
| Victorian Gothic Ranges | Large-scale nineteenth-century rebuilding that created much of the castle's present appearance. | 19th century |
| Gardens & Grounds | Historic designed landscape surrounding the castle and connecting the fortress with Arundel Park. | Multiple periods |
Arundel Castle Through the Centuries
| Period | Major Development | What Remains |
|---|---|---|
| Norman | Motte-and-bailey fortress established after the conquest. | Motte, early defensive layout and gatehouse origins. |
| 12th century | Stone fortifications replace earlier timber structures. | Shell keep and medieval masonry. |
| Medieval | Expansion under powerful noble families. | Defensive works, chapel and historic fabric. |
| Tudor | Castle passes into Howard family ownership. | Long association with the Dukes of Norfolk. |
| 17th century | Civil War sieges cause major damage. | Defensive archaeology and surviving structures. |
| 18th century | Repair and restoration campaigns. | Layers of post-war rebuilding. |
| 19th century | Major Gothic reconstruction. | Much of the present residential architecture. |
| Today | Historic home, heritage attraction and gardens. | Nearly 1,000 years of layered history. |
The Castle and the River Arun
Arundel Castle occupies a commanding position above the River Arun. Its elevated location allowed the fortress to dominate both the town and important routes through the Arun valley.
Today the combination of castle, river, historic town and South Downs landscape creates one of West Sussex's most distinctive views.
Arundel Castle and Our Circular Walk
Arundel Castle is one of the principal historical highlights of our Arundel Circular walk through the River Arun valley and the South Downs landscape.
Our circular route is approximately 21 km / 13 miles and explores water meadows, historic churches, rural paths and Arundel Park before returning to the town.
The final approach gives walkers memorable views of Arundel's historic skyline, dominated by the castle and cathedral.
Visiting Arundel Castle
Arundel Castle is a ticketed visitor attraction. Entry to the castle, grounds and gardens is separate from participation in a Hiking in London Club walk unless specifically stated otherwise.
Opening arrangements and ticket prices can change during the year, so visitors should check the official Arundel Castle website before planning a separate visit.
The official address is Arundel Castle, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 9AB. Arundel railway station is approximately a short walk from the town centre and castle.
Walking Around Arundel
Arundel is exceptionally well suited to exploring on foot. The compact historic centre connects easily with the River Arun, Arundel Park and paths leading towards the South Downs.
Walkers should remember that paths beside the river and across water meadows may become wet or muddy after heavy rain. Suitable walking footwear is recommended.
Please respect private land, remain on public rights of way and follow the Countryside Code.
See Arundel Castle on our South Downs walk
Join Hiking in London Club for our Arundel Circular through the River Arun valley, historic villages and South Downs countryside, finishing beneath the towers of Arundel Castle.
View the Arundel Circular – 21 km / 13 miles