European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 13, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Warwick Castle Castle brings medieval magic to life 1 1 by Marc Mcfann Quot Quot staff writer a. A. A a. A a a Don t feel foolish if you entertain fantasies of Robin Hood and King Arthur As you approach Warwick Castle. It s easy for your imagination to catapult Back in time. As if Merlin the magician slipped you one of his magical mixtures. Warwick Castle billed As the finest medieval Castle in England is about two hours and 1,000 years Northwest of London. 1 the drive on pastoral roads through Lush Green Fields and rolling Hills a Complete with obligatory sheep and cattle a sets the mood for a Castle visit. While the drawbridge has Long since been replaced. The Gatehouse remains much the same As it did years ago. With its Tunnel like passage guarded by two heavy Iron Gates. The site was first fortified by William the conqueror in 1068 and was the Home of the mighty Earls of Warwick for centuries. Castles of this period served As private strongholds for a lord or King. They would also serve As his Home and 1 sometimes a Center for local government. Most Community essentials were housed inside the Castle Walls including storage Sheds kitchens stables Chapel Bakehouse bathrooms bedrooms armory and  a fortress the Castle is quite formidable. Enemies would first have to Bridge the Moat before gaming Access to the Castle Walls. The Walls of Warwick Castle Are fortified by several towers at various intervals. The towers taller than the Castle Walls and projecting outwards were a primary Means of defending the Castle. At the top of each Tower a parapet projects from the Walls which allowed defending troops to pour boiling liquids or heave stones on their enemies below. Inside the Castle you la find that Many of the rooms have been restored and furnished to reflect different periods of the Castle s history. The great Hall Kitchen study Library stables armory the red and Green drawing rooms and the. Queen Anne bedroom Are brought to life a not Only by the antique furniture paintings and armours and artefacts but also by the incredibly lifelike Wax figures dressed in costumes of the a time. A a a a a a a a a a a a. A a a  a a a a a a a panoramic View of the Castle grounds from atop the five Story Guy s Tower invites you to journey through the impeccably landscaped gardens on the River Avon. More than 20 peacocks roam the 60-plus Scenic acres while you wander through the victorian Rose Garden stroll along the River front or visit the stately 18th-Century conservatory. A a a a. If Yoy be worked up an appetite you can enjoy lunch in the Castle restaurant located in castles 14th-Century Undercroft. There Are plenty of photo opportunities so bring plenty of film. There Are also three gift shops in which to Purchase souvenirs. A 10 stripes Magazine october 13, 1994