Alnwick Castle
Seat of the Duke of Northumberland
Recorded history of Alnwick castle begins with the Norman Invasion of England, like
many other castles in England. William the Conquerer's standard-bearer at the Battle
of Hastings in 1093 was Gilbert Tyson. He was most likely the first Norman owner of Alnwick. However
he did not hold his lands for long due to his participation in a rebellion against
William in 1095. Yvo de Vescy became the owner of Alnwick soon after and erected
the earliest parts of the present castle. Centuries later the last male in the de Vescy family, William de Vescy, was
killed in the battle of Bannockburn and with him went ownership of Alnwick Castle.
In 1309, the Percy Family became the owners of Alnwick Castle where they still live to this
day. His Grace the 12th Duke of Northumberland calls the castle home now.
This picture shows Alnwick Castle from the south. To the far left is the Clock Tower.
This tower was erected in the 18th century on the site of a 14th century corner tower.
Today this tower is used for estate offices. The small tower in the middle of the picture along
the outer wall is called the Auditor's Tower and was used for stabling. On the right
end of the picture stands Record Tower.
To the West is Alnwick's Gatehouse and Barbican which are among the most perfect
examples of their kind in England. They were built to house their own garrison
so even if the rest of the castle fell to invaders, the Gatehouse and Barbican could
still be defended. Between the Gatehouse and Barbican was a dry moat. The castle used
to have a swinging drawbridge that when closed would stand straight up, half the bridge
sticking above the ground blocking entrance to the castle, and the other half below in the moat which
gave it more defense than a normal drawbridge. Behind the drawbridge was the portcullis followed
by the great double doors. Notice the iron knights standing ontop the Barbican. These
were meant to give the impression of real guards keeping watch over the castle from a distance.
Here we see Alnwick's Octagonal Towers and the Keep. Entry was across a wooden
bridge which takes you between the two massive Octagonal Towers. These towers also
had a portcullis to protect the entrance should the outer castle walls be breached by enemies.
The door to the dungeon was reached from inside the arch of this building. The dungeon
was lit by only the light coming through the arrow slits in the wall. The Banqueting Hall
is located one level above the Keep. Once at the great door of the Keep, you are ready
to enter the interior of the castle by way of Entrance Hall. Alnwick Castle's interior
is just as grand as the castle walls themselves.
Here is the castle from the east across the River Aln. Besides protection from
the castle walls and added protection of the river from the east, Alnwick has a
battery of cannons poised to fire from the castles ramparts. This castle had to
have strong defenses as it was often involved in border battles with Scotland through
the years.
Alniwck Castle, though still a residence, is open for tourism daily from June till August and Sun-Fri in
May & September. Alnwick has a nice gift shop and places to eat as well.
Want to know more about Alnwick Castle? Visit the
Alnwick Castle Home Page.
