While no prominent figures are documented as having been executed directly within the walls of Warwick Castle, its history is significantly linked to the imprisonment and subsequent execution of Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall, whose fate was orchestrated by the Earl of Warwick.
Piers Gaveston: Imprisonment at Warwick Castle and Execution by the Earl of Warwick
Warwick Castle, a formidable medieval fortress, served as a significant site of detention for high-profile prisoners. In the early 14th century, it became the temporary prison for Piers Gaveston, a controversial favorite of King Edward II.
The Role of Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick
- Imprisonment: In 1312, Piers Gaveston was imprisoned at Warwick Castle. This powerful stronghold had been in the possession of the Beauchamp family for 180 years, with Guy de Beauchamp, the 10th Earl of Warwick, being its lord at the time. Gaveston's imprisonment at Warwick Castle was a critical step in the ongoing conflict between King Edward II and his barons.
- Execution: Following his detention, Piers Gaveston was later executed under the direct authority of Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick, and other prominent barons. While his imprisonment occurred at Warwick Castle, historical records indicate that Gaveston's execution took place at Blacklow Hill, a short distance from Warwick, rather than inside the castle's fortifications. This act cemented the Earl of Warwick's decisive role in English medieval politics.
Though not the direct site of execution, Warwick Castle was central to the events leading to Gaveston's demise, serving as the place where his fate was sealed by the powerful Earl who orchestrated his downfall.
