Arundel — The Howard Secret

Your quest begins at the main gate of Arundel Castle, the ancestral fortress of the Dukes of Norfolk, which withstood the siege of 1643 during the English Civil War. It was here that Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, was imprisoned in 1569 for his conspiracy with Mary, Queen of Scots. You will discover the first puzzles that will lead you through the centuries of this powerful dynasty, whose ties with the English monarchy were often strained, especially after the Protestant Reformation. The castle's architecture, rebuilt and modified since the 11th century, bears witness to these periods of conflict and grandeur.

Inside Arundel Castle, the Fitzalan Chapel is a key location for understanding the unwavering Catholic faith of the Howards. This private mausoleum, separated from the parish church of St Nicholas' Church by an iron gate, houses the tombs of the Dukes of Norfolk since the 15th century. It is a testament to their religious persistence at a time when Catholicism was persecuted in England, and a place where conspirators might have met secretly, away from the crown's gaze. The stained glass and detailed sculptures tell a story of devotion and resistance.

Leaving the castle, your path leads you to St Nicholas' Church, Arundel's parish church that shares a complex history with the Fitzalan Chapel. Originally a single entity, it was divided in the 15th century, symbolizing the rupture between nobility and common people. The Howards, through their influence, sought to maintain their Catholic heritage even as Anglicanism became the state religion. This church, with its ancient walls, has seen generations of Arundel residents and has been the scene of many events that marked this southeast England town.

Arundel's High Street, with its period houses, transports you to the atmosphere of centuries past. It was in these streets that messages were passed, rumors spread, and the crown's secret agents monitored the activities of the nobles. Along this main thoroughfare, you will search for clues hidden on facades, symbols engraved in stone, which will help you unravel the Howard plot. The River Arun, winding nearby, was also a strategic point for trade and, potentially, for escape or clandestine communication in the 16th century.

Your investigation will also take you to St Philip's Catholic Church, built long after the 16th-century events, in 1873. This place of worship, modern for its time, is proof of the resilience of Catholicism in Arundel and southeast England, and the continued role of the Dukes of Norfolk in its promotion. It is a reminder that the Howard secrets, though deeply rooted in history, had repercussions on subsequent generations, influencing the religious and social landscape of the town. Your journey will conclude at Arundel Town Hall, where municipal records may hold the final key to the mystery, revealing the truth about past machinations and the legacy of the Lords of Arundel.