Alnwick Castle

It's a slightly inauspicious start to our Birthday trip 'up North' to Northumberland. Parking in the County Town 'Alnwick' is at a premium. 'Its Market Day ' a helpful gentleman, who has moved up from Silverstone tells me. His passion is sea swimming, so it made a lot of  sense to leave Northamptonshire. We eventually park up outside our hotel , although it is a 2 hour limit. A much needed brew is in order. Unfortunately driving rain has now set in, at least we are in the dry and can wait it out. 

Alnwick Castle

Things improve rapidly! It stops raining and we find out there are two free all day car parks behind the hotel. Safely checked in to the hotel we set off to do some exploring in Alnwick. We are 32 miles south of Berwick Upon Tweed on the Scottish border. It was a staging post on the Great North Road, between Edinburgh and London. The town dates to about AD 600 and thrived as an agricultural centre. There are many attractions to the town, the biggest though would have to be the Castle. was the home of the most powerful medieval northern baronial family, the Earls of Northumberland. It is mid to late afternoon and we take a wander to have a look. It is now the home of Ralph Percy, 12 Duke of Northumberland. The Percy family were powerful lords in northern England.Henry Percy 1st Earl of Northumberland (1341-1408) rebelled against King Richard II,and helped dethrone him.The earl and his son Harry Hotspur later rebelled against King Henry IV.The Castle was at the centre of hostilities during the 'War of the Roses'.

Gun Terrace

It goes without saying almost just how impressive the Castle actually is.It is the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor Castle. Apparently it is the 10th most visited stately home in the UK. The popularity has no doubt increased following its use as 'Hogwarts' in the Harry Potter series of films. I notice that 'Broomstick Training' is provided in the 'Outer Bailey' Certainly something to consider perhaps? It is in the 'Artisans Courtyard where I find me true calling. My potential is spotted and I'm immediately upgraded to 'Knight' status. I think I looked the part too?  

Barbican Tower

From the Gun Terrace there is a smashing view of  'Lion Bridge' in the distance. The most famous bridge on the River Aln. It was built by John Adam in 1773 for the first Duke of Northumberland and is an early example of Gothic Revival style. Later that day , early evening time we took a wander down to the bridge. Looking southeast from the bridge is a magnificent view of Alnwick Castle and the Pastures. There is a photo below of that particular view. From the town centre there is also a nice view of the castle. 

View from the Town

Our evening wander took us past the statue of 'Henry Percy'. whose speed and ability on the battlefield earned him the the nickname 'Harry Hotspur'. Alnwick's most famous Knight and one of Shakespeare's best known characters (Henry IV Pt1). An interesting  fact about the statue is that nobody knows what Hotspur looked like as he was always depicted with his visor down. Earl George Percy , the heir to the current Duke, was used as a model instead. 

It has been a great start to our few days in Northumberland!