- Type
- Castle
- Origins
- 1096 · 11th century per Wikidata: founding, first mention or construction
- Location
- England, United Kingdom
- Visiting
- probably – Wikidata lists it as a museum or gives tickets, opening hours or visitor numbers; check before you go
- Coordinates
- 55.4158°, -1.7061°
History
The first castle was built in the late 11th century by the Norman baron Yves de Vescy to guard the road between Scotland and England. In 1309 the estate was bought by Henry de Percy, and it has belonged to his family, later the Earls and Dukes of Northumberland, ever since. The famous Harry Hotspur came from Alnwick, and the fortress was besieged many times during the wars with Scotland and the Wars of the Roses. In the 18th century Robert Adam remodelled the interiors in Gothic style, and in the 19th century the 4th Duke refitted them in lavish Italian Renaissance taste. Alnwick is today the second-largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor.
What to see
The state rooms are filled with paintings by old masters such as Canaletto and van Dyck, fine porcelain and carved wooden ceilings. In the courtyards children can take broomstick training classes inspired by the Harry Potter films. Right next door is the Alnwick Garden with its Grand Cascade and Poison Garden, and the castle also houses the museum of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
Wikipedia article Official website Wikidata Q1320427
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