The history of Warwick Castle began in the 10th century. Legend has it that the first fortification of significance on the grounds of Warwick Castle was erected by Ethelfleda, the daughter of Alfred the Great, in the year 914.

Over the years the castle was gradually rebuilt, and by the late 14th century Thomas de Beauchamp had finished an extensive building program that transformed the defenses of the castle, adding the huge gatehouse and barbican and two massive towers that still dominate the castle today. Later as the military importance of the castle declined, the main living quarters were converted into a palatial residence.

SportsDrainage.co.uk was asked to design and install a drainage scheme to two problem areas, one on the pageant Field – the location of various special events such as the summer concerts – and the jousting field. The work was carried out using a Mastenbroek 15-15 and a Shelton Supertrencher. A piped scheme with a complimentary secondary drainage system was installed.

Working at an ancient monument and major tourist attraction presented a few difficulties. The curious general public had to be managed and all works had to fit into the castle busy schedule. As the jousting field is situated on an island in the River Avon and the only access is over a lightweight bridge, the movement of machinery and materials was restricted. Perhaps, most unusually, Warwick Castle currently houses a working scale mode trebuchet. It stands 19 m tall and uses a 6-tonne counterweight to fire 15 kg stone balls distances exceeding several hundred feet, and work had to stop whilst the catapult was fired twice daily.

Sportsdrainage.co.uk

Chesterton Estate Yard
Banbury Road
Lighthorne
Warwick
CV35 OAF

Tel:/Fax: 01926 651540