One of the best-known castles in Britain, its current popularity partly attributable to its starring role in the Harry Potter films, Alnwick's history is as interesting as any work of fiction. The castle is still the seat of the Dukes of Northumberland and is the second-largest inhabited castle in the country.
History
Yves de Vescy built the earliest parts of the fortress in 1096 and by the middle of the 12th century the castle had taken on the basic plan that remains today. It was one of the earliest Norman fortresses to have been built without a square keep, and fragments of the Norman masonry still exist in curtain walls.
The de Vescys held Alnwick through several sieges and periods of turbulence (Eustace de Vescy was a ringleader of the Baron's Revolt in 1212;the castle was ordered to be destroyed,but this wasn't carried out) until early in the 14th century when the fortress and manors of Alnwick were handed to Anthony Beck, Bishop of Durham. The direct male line of the de Vescys died out in 1314 at the Battle of Bannockburn and the de Percy family, who became one England's most powerful dynasties, came to Alnwick in 1309.
Today
Today the castle receives around 300,000 visitors and is becoming recognized as a mustsee destination nationally and internationally.
There certainly is plenty here to occupy visitors of all ages. The Harry Potter link will engage many children and,one day a week in the summer, Hagrid and Professor Dumbledore are on hand to perform magic. The Knight's School allow youngsters to experience what it was like to train as a Knight. Also in summer a magician performs tricks and birds of prey are demonstrated. Alnwick's website offers lots of game and fun for kids. If you feel like a break for refreshments,there is a tea room.
The castle is filled with treasures, including paintings by artists such as Bellini,Gainsborough and Claude Lorraine, furniture and statues accumulated by the family and it has its own museum.Events are staged regularly and there are permanent displays to further your knowledge about the castle and the part it played in history.
How to get there:
Location: Northumberland
Map ref: NU 187137
Tel: 01665510777 or
01665511100 (24hrs)
Web: www.alnwickcastle.com
Open: April-late October daily 11-5
No comments:
Post a Comment