Famous Anniversaries

This year marks a number of important anniversaries - the creation of Magna Carta in 1215; the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

During the summer months I work as a guide at Arundel Castle in West Sussex. This property has been in the possession of the Dukes of Norfolk for almost a thousand years and remains their family seat to this day.

Charles, the 11th Duke of Norfolk, undertook a programme of rebuilding and restoration work at the Castle, including the building of a new Barons' Hall, to celebrate the 600th anniversary of Magna Carta. He threw a huge party for the occasion, but unfortunately died not long after. That particular room was completely altered at the end of the 19th Century by the 15th Duke and therefore no longer remains. His magnificent library, complete with mahogany panelling and maroon velvet curtains and carpet are still largely untouched and often cited as being their favourite room by visitors.

However, the Castle archivists are mounting a display about the 11th Duke's Barons' to mark the anniversary and this will open to the public at the end of this month, together with the Castle itself and the gardens.