A RESIDENT historian at Warwick Castle was astonished when one of his videos went viral on Instagram.
Andrew Lilwall-Smith’s historical insights into the often overlooked lives of servants amassed a staggering 12.7million views.
In the viral video, Andrew explores the the lesser-known practice in grand estates where servants were required to ‘give room’ when a family member entered the house, meaning they had to turn to face the wall to remain less visible.
He said: “I was astonished when I saw that the video had gone viral. It’s been an incredible experience. Before this, I barely knew what Instagram was, but now I’ve shown the video to everyone from my dentist to people in the local pub.
“It’s surreal to be recognised on the streets. I almost feel like a celebrity. People travel long distances for my tours now and they’re genuinely disappointed if I’m not available. My goal has always been to make history enjoyable for our guests and to bring the past to life with a touch of humour. History is far from dull.”
Andrew’s videos have ignited a surge in the castle’s social media accounts, attracting thousands of new followers. Many have commented about their excitement for the untold stories and eagerness to see more behind-the-scenes glimpses into the history of Warwick Castle.
Liam Bartlett, the castle’s general manager, added: “We are incredibly proud to have a team of expert historians who passionately bring Warwick Castle’s rich history to life. Our history team conducts engaging talks and tours daily, covering a range of fascinating topics from past owners to the castle’s weaponry collections. They are always available in the Great Hall to discuss and answer guests’ questions.”
Visit @WarwickCastleOfficial on Instagram to see more of Andrew’s historical explorations.
