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Built at the end of the 11th century, Arundel Castle is both ancient castle and stately home. It has been the home of the Dukes of Norfolk and their ancestors for 850 years.
Marvel at the grandeur of the perfectly preserved interior with its exquisite furniture, tapestries and rare collection of paintings by renowned artists including Van Dyck, Gainsborough, Canaletto and others. The Armoury is one of the few surviving collections of its kind while the Barons Hall contains an outstanding collection of 16th Century continental furniture.
Exquisite craftsmanship is evident throughout the castle; the rich mahogany panelling and vaulting in The Library is one of the finest Regency interiors in the world.
Many of the treasures on show reflect the family's Catholic beliefs. In the Dining Room a display case contains personal possessions of Mary Queen of Scots, including the rosary of beads of gold and enamel which she carried to her execution.
The Fitzalan Chapel, founded in 1380, is still used as the burial place of the Dukes of Norfolk and The Private Chapel is one of the most perfect monuments of the 19th Century Catholic Revival in England.
Visitors can stroll in the tranquillity of the grounds and gardens where colour, scent and form combine to offer all year interest. The large Walled Garden constructed in the mid 19th Century is being restored and has been planted with standard and fanned apple trees together with rare trees and shrubs. In the central section, borders have been made into a cut flower garden, while the west part has been restored as kitchen garden complete with renovated Victorian Greenhouse.
Don't miss the exciting new Collector Earl's Garden opened by HRH The Prince of Wales on 14 May 2008 and the Fitzalan Chapel Garden planted strikingly throughout in white.
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