UK Travel Guide

Castles

Alnwick Castle

Description: Alnwick Castle was described by the Victorians as the “Windsor of the North”. It is the main seat of the Duke of Northumberland, whose families, the Percys, have lived there since 1309. As the Domesday Book did not extend to Northumberland, and as earlier records were silent on the subject, the history of Alnwick only begins with the Norman Conquest. It seems probable that Gilbert Tyson or de Tesson, William the Conqueror's standard bearer at the Battle of Hastings, was the first Norman owner, but whether he erected any castle on this site is uncertain. The earliest mention of Alnwick Castle in the history books appears soon after 1096 when Yvo de Vescy became baron of Alnwick and erected the earliest parts of the Castle.
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Notes: The Regimental Musem of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers is housed in the Abbot's Tower of the Castle, while the Postern Tower contains a collection of early British and Roman relics. Other attractions include the Percy state coach, the dungeon, the gun terrace and the grounds, which offer peaceful walks and suberb views over the surrounding countryside. The stern, medieval exterior belies the treasure house within, furnished in palatial Renaissance style, with paintings by Titian, Van Dyck and Canaletto, fine furniture and an exquisite collection of china. The Castle is open Daily 1st April - 26th October 2001, 11am to 5pm. Further information can be obtained by telephone on 01665 510777.