Alnwick Castle, located in the heart of Northumberland, England, has a rich and captivating history that spans over 900 years. As one of the largest inhabited castles in the United Kingdom, it has been the seat of the powerful Percy family for centuries, and has played a significant role in the country’s history, from the Wars of the Roses to the filming locations for the Harry Potter series.
The Norman Conquest and the Early Percys
Alnwick Castle was constructed in 1096 by Yvo de Vescy, a Norman baron, to control and protect the border between England and Scotland. The castle was first mentioned in 1136 when it was captured by King David I of Scotland. In 1309, the Percy family, one of the most influential noble families in England, acquired the castle, and it has remained in their possession ever since.
The Percys and Their Legendary Figures
The Percy family has been closely associated with Alnwick Castle for over 700 years, and they have played a significant role in English history. One of the most notable members of the family was Harry Hotspur, who was immortalized by Shakespeare in his play “King Henry IV (Part 1)”. Hotspur was a renowned military commander who fought against the Lancastrian forces during the Wars of the Roses.
Attacks and Sieges
Alnwick Castle has been the target of numerous attacks and sieges throughout its history. In 1173 and 1174, the castle was attacked by King William the Lion of Scotland, and during the second attack, William was captured and forced to pledge fealty to King Henry II of England. In 1212, Eustace de Vescy, the lord of Alnwick, was accused of plotting against King John, leading to threats to destroy the castle, although these were not carried out.
The Wars of the Roses
During the Wars of the Roses, Alnwick Castle was held by Lancastrian forces and was one of the few castles that made a practical defense against King Edward IV, the Yorkist king.
Modern Times and Cultural Significance
Today, Alnwick Castle is a popular tourist attraction and the seat of the 12th Duke of Northumberland. The castle has been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows, including the Harry Potter series and Downton Abbey, further cementing its cultural significance.
Key Figures and Dates
| Figure | Role |
|---|---|
| William the Lion | King of Scotland who attacked Alnwick Castle in 1173 and 1174 |
| Henry II | King of England to whom William the Lion pledged fealty after his capture |
| Eustace de Vescy | Lord of Alnwick who was accused of plotting against King John in 1212 |
| Henry Percy | The first Percy to acquire Alnwick Castle in 1309 |
| Harry Hotspur | A notable member of the Percy family, immortalized by Shakespeare |
| King Edward IV | King of England who besieged Alnwick Castle during the Wars of the Roses |
Quantifiable Details
- Year of Construction: 1096
- Distance from England-Scotland Border: 30 km
- Number of Catalogued Books in the Library: 14,000
- Number of Movies and TV Shows Featured: 41
- Number of Dukes of Northumberland: 12
Alnwick Castle’s rich history, its association with the powerful Percy family, and its cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for any castle enthusiast. From its Norman origins to its modern-day fame, this iconic castle continues to captivate and inspire visitors from around the world.
References
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/the-history/facts-figures
- http://www.castles99.ukprint.com/Essays/England/North/Alnwick.html
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alnwick_Castle
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/the-history/medieval
- https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/the-history/the-percy-family