warwick castle by jantan

warwick castle

Went to Warwick early this morning to collect my youngest son. He (and about 150 other boys) had been sleeping in a cardboard box on his school playground to raise money for a charity which supports the homeless. I got there a bit early so that I could take a picture of the castle which is just round the corner from his school. Parts of the castle date back to 1068.

This place brings back memories for me because I spent a couple of summers working there during my university holidays. I worked in the restaurant and as a serving 'wench' at the banquets that they held - a truly disgusting job because the guests used throw their chicken bones on the floor in true medieval style and we used to have to clear them up the next day. We used to dry the napkins in the boiler room which was in the bowels of the castle and was where the dead bodies used to be stored during sieges. It wasn't unusual to be locked in there by a practical joker when we went to collect them.

Anyway, picked Sam up after his night in a damp cardboard box - cold, wet, tired, but happy.
Gorgeous reflections! I really want to take my children there but it's so expensive for a family day out.

I'm quite jealous of your summer job there, I can see how the mess would have been annoying but having access to other parts of the castle would have been fantastic!

I'm glad your son is ok after his night outside.
June 2nd, 2012  
Well done Sam, a well worthy cause!
Your picture is gorgeous :)
June 2nd, 2012  
@emmar84 It has always been an expensive day out for a family Emma. I remember my parents taking us there for the day when we were children and our cousins had come to stay. We got the the ticket office, they were told the price, and we were all marched out again and over the road to the park - 5 not very happy children.

These days the cheapest way to do it is with tesco vouchers where you can get massive discounts. There is loads to do for the kids if you go on a day when there is jousting and falconry displays
June 2nd, 2012  
What a Wonderful Capture of a Castle i could only dream of seeing! This is so Beautiful! So Proud of your Son for that dedication! Glad he is ok also! Great Shot!
June 2nd, 2012  
I know it's always been expensive, I remember going about 12-15 years ago and it was about £30 for the family but of course it has gone up since then and now you have to pay extra for to access the different bits. I have quite a few tesco vouchers on my notice board, I'm thinking of taking my son early in the summer holidays whilst this sister is at nursery.

My daughter has asked to go to tthe park across the road from the castle next weekend for her birthday, I'm reminding myself to treasure these simple birthday requests as I'm sure in a few years the price tag attached to her wishes will increase!
June 2nd, 2012  
Great hearing these stories from anothe part of the world - the one with castles like this wonderful one!
June 2nd, 2012  
A gorgeous shot. Such nice reflections you captured in the water. Well composed.....nice that it brought back memories. Sounds like your son is involved in a great cause.
June 2nd, 2012  
We don't know how lucky we are, do we, living in these times? I hope you got your own back on the practical joker/s at least once. The castle appears to be enormous. How wonderful that it's still standing.
June 2nd, 2012  
nice idea of charity.....good scenic beauty and greenery in this picture....with nice reflections.......Jan Hall!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 2nd, 2012  
A great photo - my boys loved this place ... but as you say expensive for a family! Good on your son too for his charity good deeds!
June 2nd, 2012  
A step back into medieval times! Wonderful perspective and reflections on the water! And I love hearing your reflections of the time you spent there!
June 2nd, 2012  
Very nice reflections...beautiful castle, such history. Would love to go ghost hunting there! I can related to homeless sleepouts, my son has done several too:)
June 2nd, 2012  
Lovely photo! The reflections are beautiful, as are the strong green tones in the trees!

I went to university at Warwick (which of course is in Coventry), but lived in Leamington Spa for my second and third year, so was quite familiar with the area. Sadly I wasn't into photography at that time, so don't have any good shots from around there!

Thanks for the follow!
June 2nd, 2012  
Beautiful capture and lovely reflections....haven't been there for years,but I remember the white peacocks,had never seen them prior to then.
June 2nd, 2012  
Beautiful.
June 3rd, 2012  
What a beautiful castle (we dont have castles in Australia) with a fabulous reflection!
June 3rd, 2012  
great pic and stories!
June 3rd, 2012  
this is a beautiful photo... i think i actually visited warwick castle some, uhm, 30 years ago (gulp!)... sounds like some cool stories from working there! and way to go Sam for participating in efforts to raise money for the homeless!
June 3rd, 2012  
This is such a beautiful shot!
June 3rd, 2012  
Amazing - both the shot and your stories!
June 3rd, 2012  
Spectacular!!
June 5th, 2012  
Fabulous shot Jan of a wonderful castle - yu've caught it at a peaceful moment.
We took our son there when he was about 10 (someone had given us money off vouchers !!). He had a fabulous time as there was a medieval festival on - he got to try his hand atarchery, falconry, jousting (not with real horses !) and made his own wooden sword which he still has (although these days it remains hidden under his bed as he is now 24 and doesn't want his girlfriend to see it !!).
June 6th, 2012  
P.S. Well done to Sam - what a great thing for him to do - you must be very proud
June 6th, 2012  
Wow, that's amazing and so cool.
June 8th, 2012  
Beautiful reflections!
June 8th, 2012  
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