WARWICK 

KEY EVENTS 

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1547 - Warwick Castle granted from care of Crown to JOHN DUDLEY, on his creation of Earl of Warwick.

Oct 1551 - JOHN DUDLEY elevated to position of Duke of Northumberland; son JOHN DUDLEY created 2nd Earl of Warwick, although ownership of Warwick Castle remains with the Duke.

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22 Aug 1553 - Execution of JOHN DUDLEY, Duke of Northumberland following conviction for treason; prolonged imprisonment of son JOHN DUDLEY Earl of Warwick in the Tower of London.

21 Oct 1554 - Death of JOHN DUDLEY 10 days following release from the Tower of London; ownership of Warwick Castle returns to the Crown.

06 Apr 1562 - Warwick Castle was 'returned' to Dudley Family by Elizabeth I - was granted to AMBROSE DUDLEY, following his appointment as 3rd Earl of Warwick in 1561..

1566 - Known visit to Warwick Castle by Elizabeth I.

Late Sep 1571 - Visit to Warwick by ROBERT DUDLEY - was invited to attend a service at St Mary's Church on 29 Sep in honour of the French Order of St Michael. Was accompanied by friends and members of the court, including old friend William Parr, Marquess of Northampton, staying at Warwick Priory. Departed Warwick for Kenilworth on 02 Oct 1571, although Parr remained, too unwell to make the journey. 

Sep 1571 - During visit to Warwick, ROBERT DUDLEY viewed buildings suitable for latter founding of 'Lord Leycester's Hospital', providing care for retired soldiers and their wives. Dudley's surveyor/architect from Kenilworth, William Spencer, was known to have been involved in this project. 

28 Oct 1571 - Death of William Parr, Marquess of Northampton at Warwick Priory. Was buried in front of the altar at St Mary's Church in a funeral service paid for by ELIZABETH I on 02 Dec 1571. 

11 Aug and 16-17 Aug 1572 - Known visits to Warwick Castle by Elizabeth I during her Summer Progress; known to have stayed at nearby Warwick Priory during visits to Warwick and Kenilworth.

Jul 1575 - Elizabeth I known to have briefly visited Warwick Castle, prior to prolonged visit to Kenilworth Castle for 'Kenilworth Festivities'. AMBROSE DUDLEY and wife ANNE RUSSELL known to be resident at the castle during the celebrations, and hosted other guests, given the close proximity (5 miles) to Kenilworth.

20 Oct 1584 - Internment of ROBERT DUDLEY and LETTICE KNOLLYS's son Robert, Lord Denbigh in the Beauchamp Chapel, St Mary's Church, Warwick, following his death at Wanstead Hall, Essex on 19 Jul 1584.

10 Oct 1588 - Funeral of ROBERT DUDLEY held at Collegiate Church of St Mary; is buried in the church's Beauchamp Chapel.

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21 Feb 1590 - Death of AMBROSE DUDLEY; title of Earl of Warwick became extinct and ownership of Warwick Castle returned to the Crown. 

09 Apr 1590 - Funeral service and internment of AMBROSE DUDLEY in the Beauchamp Chapel in St Mary's Church, Warwick.

Feb 1635 - Funeral service and internment of LETTICE KNOLLYS in the Beauchamp Chapel at St Mary's church, Warwick; she is buried alongside second husband ROBERT DUDLEY, their tombs adorned with joint effigies.