Alnwick Castle

Alnwick Castle guards a road crossing the River Aln. Dating from the 11th century, the timber motte castle at Alnwick was reconstructed of stone during the early part of the 12th century. However, it was a further 200 years before Alnwick Castle began to take on the resplendent appearance that it is now such a familiar sight.

When Henry Percy bought Alnwick Castle in 1309, he and his son set about shaping it into a dominant stronghold by strengthening the curtain walls, creating numerous flanking towers, adding gatehouses to both the inner and outer baileys, as well as constructing a barbican for further fortification. Since then generations of Percys have continued to make their mark.

The Wars of the Roses and the Civil War took their toll on Alnwick Castle, and some 400 years later it had fallen into a state of decay.

During the 18th century the abandoned castle was transformed into a comfortable country mansion under the guidance of Robert Adam. In the late 19th century when the 4th Duke of Northumberland had palatial interiors created in the fashionable classical Italian designs.

Alnwick Castle has been used as a setting in many films and television series, including Harry Potter, Blackadder and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

Adjacent to the castle, the present Duchess of Northumberland, has initiated the establishment of The Alnwick Garden, a formal garden set around a cascading fountain.

More information, including admission times and costs can be found on the Alnwick Castle website:

http://www.alnwickcastle.com
http://www.alnwickgarden.com




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