Then & Now

The Godcake – Then & Now

This undated ‘then’ postcard shows the junction of Castle Green, Castle Hill and Castle Road opposite the Queen & Castle pub, known locally as ‘The Godcake’. The ‘now’ images was photographed in early Autumn of 2018.  First, a few words about the term ‘godcake’. I confess, I first came across the term amongst the writings… Read More The Godcake – Then & Now

Then & Now

Prince of Wales Visit to the Castle – Then & Now

This pair of Then & Now images shows the visit of Edward, Prince of Wales to Kenilworth Castle. The ‘then’ image is an artificially colourised version of another black and white photograph held by Warwick County Records Office. Whoever did the colourisation was evidently unsure which of the Gatehouse windows were bricked up and which… Read More Prince of Wales Visit to the Castle – Then & Now

Then & Now

Cosy Cafe – Then & Now

This postcard shows the Cosy Cafe on Castle Green, which served teas to tourists who came to the town to take in the majestic ruins of Kenilworth Castle. It boasted sumptuous interiors such as the Lustre Room, with lace tablecloths and horse brasses hanging from the ceiling, and a small garden for those brave enough… Read More Cosy Cafe – Then & Now

Then & Now

Warwickshire Hunt – Then & Now

This pair of then & now photos show a once familiar scene when the Warwickshire Hunt gathered for its traditional Boxing Day meeting in the car park of Kenilworth Castle. The hounds are gathered and the horses seem to be mounted by exceptionally youthful riders except for one or two older members, which leads one… Read More Warwickshire Hunt – Then & Now

Then & Now

Castle Green Chapel of Ease – Then & Now

This then & now pairing shows a 1960s view of numbers 12 and 13 Castle Green, the origins of which have been the source of much speculation in recent years. The scene looks remarkably unchanged today, save for the differing garden features. Norman Stevens proposed in Kenilworth History 2001 – 2002 that these properties might… Read More Castle Green Chapel of Ease – Then & Now

Then & Now

Kenilworth Castle Aerial View – Then & Now

This pair of aerial photos, from 1947 and 2016 respectively, shows a rare mid-twentieth century aerial view of Kenilworth Castle and its modern day equivalent: The ‘then’ photo shows the end cottage on Castle Green before its demolition and behind it stretches a sparsely populated Clinton Lane with very little in the way of modern… Read More Kenilworth Castle Aerial View – Then & Now

Then & Now

The End Cottage, Castle Green – Then & Now

The End Cottage, Castle Green met with a sorry fate, having been struck on more than one occasion by passing motor vehicles. It was eventually demolished in the 1960s. The remaining end cottage now bears a plaque above the door stating “These eight cottages were restored & improved by Kenilworth Urban District Council with financial… Read More The End Cottage, Castle Green – Then & Now

Then & Now

Queen & Castle – Then & Now

The Queen & Castle, Castle Green, Kenilworth. According to Rob Steward’s book ‘The Inns and Roads of Kenilworth’ (Odiborne Press, 2000) the first mention of this establishment was when it was known as The Castle Inn in 1835. It was once a hotel with fine oak panelled corridors, with some panelling rumoured to be taken… Read More Queen & Castle – Then & Now