 Warkworth
Castle. The present castle is a typical Norman structure
basically cruciform and built from the 12th century onwards, increasing in size and
strength as the Percy family increased in wealth and influence. The family was so strong and confident
that it was at Warkworth that the 3rd Earl Percy along with his son Harry, whose
headstrong temperament earned him the name of Hotspur, plotted to place henry IV on the
throne of England. This came to pass in the final year of the 14th century, and was an
ideal theme for an adventure story. No one selected these themes better than Shakespeare
and no fewer than three scenes of his play were set at Warkworth.
The castle remained the home of
the Percys until the 16th century, whilst the fortress at Alnwick was used purely as their
main defensive base into which they moved in time of trouble. The Duke of Northumberland
still owns the ruins of the castle, although it is open daily and is maintained by English
Heritage and there is an entrance fee.
The main reason that the castle
looks so well is that it was restored in the mid 19th century by none other than the
Victorian architect Salvin. For a time Warkworth was a typical Victorian residence set
among earlier ruins, which thankfully were left undisturbed. |
