Alnwick Castle

You're probably wondering how it has taken us nearly three years to write up such an iconic castle in Northumberland. The honest reason is that we last visited Alnwick Castle nearly 10 years ago and our photos weren't great.

Fortunately our new Fabulous North friend Carl Packham sent us all these photos to help us create the post.

Now most of you may know this as being the castle for the outdoor shots of Harry Potter, but there was a canny bit of history going on before this. Alnwick Castle is located right in the centre of Alnwick town centre and is an iconic castle and probably one of the most well-preserved medieval structures in England.

Early Beginnings

The origins of Alnwick Castle trace back to the Norman Conquest of 1066. The initial structure was built around 1096 by a chap called Yves de Vescy, a Norman baron, to protect England's northern borders from Scottish invasions. Early records suggest that this wooden motte-and-bailey castle served as a stronghold against frequent skirmishes and raids, of which there were a canny few.

The Percy Family Legacy

The castle's fate took a significant turn in 1309 when it was purchased by Henry de Percy, the 1st Baron Percy. This marked the beginning of the Percy family's loooong association with Alnwick, which still continues to this day.

The Percys were one of England's most powerful and influential families and transformed the wooden fortress into a formidable stone castle. During the 14th century, extensive renovations were undertaken where Alnwick Castle was fortified with robust stone walls, towers, and gatehouses.

Of course these enhancements only strengthened its defenses, but was also a bit of a flex showing the Percys' growing power and wealth. And so Alnwick Castle became a symbol of their dominance in the north of England.

The Wars of the Roses

The 15th century was a bit of a tumultuous period for Alnwick Castle, as it played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses. These conflicts between the houses of Lancaster and York saw the castle change hands multiple times. Despite the upheaval, the Percy family were a strategic and resilient bunch and managed to retain ownership throughout.

The Tudor and Stuart Eras

With the ascension of the Tudor dynasty to top dogs in the late 15th century, the political landscape of England shifted a tad. Alnwick Castle's military importance waned, and it gradually evolved into a more comfortable residence.

The Percys continued to enhance the castle, adding luxurious living quarters and ornate interiors. During the Stuart era, the castle witnessed moments of grandeur and then decline. The English Civil War (1642-1651) saw Alnwick Castle besieged by parliamentary forces, leading to significant damage.

Despite this, the Percy family's fortunes revived with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660.

18th and 19th Century Revival

The 18th and 19th centuries marked a period of revival and transformation for Alnwick Castle. Hugh Percy, the 1st Duke of Northumberland, spearheaded a pretty ambitious restoration project. Under his direction, the castle underwent extensive renovations, blending medieval architecture with Gothic revival styles.

Architect Robert Adam was also commissioned to redesign the interiors, introducing neoclassical elements that enhanced the castle's grandeur. Gardens and parks surrounding the castle were also landscaped, creating a picturesque setting and what you can see today.

Modern Days

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Alnwick Castle has continued to thrive as both a family residence and a cultural landmark. The castle's historical and architectural significance has been carefully preserved, allowing visitors to explore its rich heritage.

The castle gained international fame as a filming location for various movies and TV shows. Most notably, it featured as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the early Harry Potter films. Last time we visited there was a Harry and Hagrid roaming the grounds and you could also have a blast at flying a broomstick.

Alnwick Castle Today

Nowadays Alnwick Castle is not only a tourist attraction, but also a venue for events, educational programs, and cultural activities. The castle offers guided tours, showcasing its historical artifacts, state rooms, and medieval architecture.

Once you are done then head over to the nearby Alnwick Garden where you will find beautifully landscaped grounds featuring a grand cascade, a treehouse, poison gardens and the new Lilidorei play area.

The Percy family still resides in a part of the castle, maintaining their ancestral home.

Thanks again to Carl Packham for all the mega photos. (Apart from the Harry and Hagrid and broomstick shot which came from the Hawkins photo archives!)