450 years on, Dudley's legacy still resonates in Kenilworth
“The 450th anniversary of one of the most speculated-about visits in English royal history is something very much to be celebrated and the residents of the town have really bought into the events."
When Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, hosted Queen Elizabeth I at Kenilworth Castle in 1575, he - and she - had no idea that the town’s economy would still be benefiting from the royal visit 450 years later.
On July 12, 1575, after a day devoted to music and dancing at the castle, Her Majesty walked through Leycester’s Gatehouse at dusk and stood awhile to listen to musicians playing their lutes on a barge anchored on the Great Mere.
On July 12, 2025, more than 750 Kenilworth residents, greeted by the Town Mayor, gathered in the castle grounds for a community picnic and evening of family entertainment, including performers portraying Dudley’s courting of Her Majesty four and a half centuries earlier.
Kenilworth is a town with a stunning history appreciated by a current population with a passion for translating that history into pleasure for residents and visitors alike. The anniversary of the royal visit, which took place from July 9th to 27th, 1575, has been marked by a series of events which has attracted people to the town – and shown them it’s worth coming back.
The special picnic, where visitors were entertained by theatre group A Book of Portraits who staged their own show inspired by Dudley’s efforts to impress his Queen, was blessed by excellent weather and was a memorable evening. It dovetailed perfectly with the centrepiece of the anniversary celebrations – a new immersive art installation at the castle by Lindsey Mendick. Entitled “Wicked Game” the thought-provoking installation offers a new perspective on the relationship between Dudley and the Queen.
The artwork, installed in one of England’s most beautiful and evocative castles, has charmed and intrigued historians since its unveiling on July 9th. It will be there until October 31st and every visitor attracted is a potential customer for Kenilworth’s many alluring shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
“The installation is quite magical,” said Kenilworth Town Clerk. Maggie Field. “The 450th anniversary of one of the most speculated-about visits in English royal history is something very much to be celebrated and the residents of the town have really bought into the events. The picnic, on a lovely, sunny evening, was fantastic with hundreds of the town’s residents picnicking in the ground of the castle that they all jointly own.”
Every Kenilworth resident has a stake in the castle which is run by English Heritage but the freehold owned by Kenilworth Town Council - perhaps the only local authority in England to own a castle! The residents’ pride in their town helps make its history work for local businesses through the visitor economy. Local retailers, Castle Home Luxuries commissioned designs by local artist Di Shores to commemorate the anniversary and have cards and jigsaw puzzles available on sale.
This summer’s celebrations have embraced every generation from primary school children, all of whom have a special 450th anniversary pencil to savour, to members who heard a fascinating talk by Gillian White at a meeting of Kenilworth History & Archaeology Society at the Senior Citizens Centre in Abbey End. Many of the events, including the Coventry Cathedral Choral Concert in St Johns Church were incredibly popular and received fantastic feedback from attendees. There are more events still to come with Queen E Rocks, a fringe night of history and hilarity on 27th July, 7.30pm at Talisman Theatre.
“Queen Elizabeth I’s visit to Kenilworth is one of the most significant events in the long history of our town,” said James Kennedy, Mayor of Kenilworth. “The 450th anniversary of her visit is a great opportunity for residents and visitors to commemorate the event – and also further investigate the wonderful visitor offer of our lovely town.”