Des-res for birds causing wild jealousy at Kenilworth Castle
Festooned with jewels, and built for a Queen, the aviary in the Elizabethan Garden at Kenilworth Castle is a work of art in its own right, but the mesh that keeps the birds safe from predators is also proving a barrier for one amorous pheasant who is keen to move into this ‘des res’ for birds!
Staff have noticed over the last few weeks that a male pheasant is regularly hanging around outside the aviary, apparently trying to attract the attention of some of the resident females.
“Although you would imagine that birds might prefer to be living out in the open, I guess that this really is the bird equivalent of a luxury hotel – they are fed regularly with only the choicest oats and maize, they have a fantastic view over one of the finest gardens in Warwickshire, and they have warm and dry shelter when the weather is inclement,” says property manager, Holly Woodward. “Is it any wonder that our wild visitor is not only smitten by the beautiful birds, but also by their luxury home?”
Staff have nicknamed the pheasant ‘Dudley’ after Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, as it seems that the unlucky bird’s love will be unrequited in much the same way that Robert Dudley courted but never captured Queen Elizabeth I! However, ever faithful, Dudley stands guard over the aviary, often chasing away other pheasants that dare approach.
The aviary at Kenilworth Castle is populated by a range of birds, including pheasants, quail and canaries. However, this is quite a different collection of residents from those that would have graced the aviary during Elizabeth I’s visit in 1575 – which was the primary reason for building the aviary.
“Although we don’t know the exact birds that were introduced, the whole of the Elizabethan garden was about showing off to make a pleasure garden fit for a queen. The obelisks are painted to recreate the most expensive marble in the world, and as the aviary only had to suit its purpose for the duration of Elizabeth’s visit, it is likely that it would have been filled with the most colourful exotic birds available, imported especially,” adds Holly. “However, as the British climate would have been somewhat cooler that they would have been used to, it is doubtful whether they would have survived beyond the visit.”
The recreated Elizabethan Garden opened in 2009, having been painstakingly reconstructed based on contemporary descriptions and archaeological evidence from an extensive survey of the site. Wherever possible, historic varieties of plants are used to create the impression of jewels tucked into the flower beds, with fragrant planting and wild strawberries to tempt the nose and tastebuds. The centrepiece Athlants fountain also features a water ‘joke’ – a spray that would have been used to sprinkle courtiers for the Queen’s amusement!
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden is open daily throughout the summer months from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Admission prices are £8.20 for adults, £7.40 for concessions, £4.90 for children or £21.30 for a family ticket (two adults and up to three children). English Heritage members get in free.
For more information, please call 01926 852078 or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenilworth. You can also follow Kenilworth Castle & Elizabethan Garden on Facebook.
ENDS
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – PRO English Heritage (West Midlands)
Tel: 0113 251 5698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@fim.org.uk
