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In 1264, Warwick Castle came under attack during the Baron's War and again in 1642 suffered the same fate during the Civil War
The early wooden fort, typical of William the Conqueror's motte and bailey strongholds, was eventually replaced by a stone shell keep with curtain walls enclosing more sophisticated domestic accommodation in the middle of the 13th century.
The latter half of the 14th century saw Warwick undergo general remodelling, and it is mainly work from this period that has survived to the present day. An imposing gatehouse and barbican were added, enormous towers, and a range of domestic buildings were created along the east curtain above the steep cliff to the river.
The castle became dilapidated and in 1604 King James I presented Warwick castle to Sir Fulke Greville who completely transformed it into a luxurious palace. This marked a split between the castle and the title of Earl of Warwick as the title of Earl of Warwick was conferred on Lord Rich and it remained in his family until 1759. Warwick Castle can boast a truly gruesome past. It has witnessed murder and violence, suffered attack, experienced wars, and been involved in royal and political treachery. In 1264, Warwick Castle came under attack during the Baron's War and again in 1642 suffered the same fate during the Civil War. In less turbulent times, it has played host to Royalty, seen scenes of elaborate entertaining, and has been the setting for society gatherings. When the grounds were landscaped, and the gardens established in the 18th century, the remains of the octagonal shell keep became a feature on 'the mound', and the rooms of the splendid castle-come-palace were filled with fine furniture and art. The castle was home to the Earls of Warwick until 1978 when it was bought by the Tussaud's Group. The castle has since been extensively restored, and the expertise of the Tussaud's Studios has been used to create wax figures that help portray life in the castle during different periods of its history.
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Initially an Anglo Saxon defence against Danish invasion, William the Conqueror built 
