Alnwick Castle, Warkworth Castle and The Castle

For the past few days, I was in Newcastle on a so-called mini-cruise with DFDS Seaways. While I was there, I had a full day at Alnwick Castle and the taxi driver also took me to Warkworth Castle and while I was shopping I also went inside The Castle.

I have a lot of pictures and two videos, so keep reading!

Warkworth Castle

Warkworth Castle is now in ruins, unfortunately. The taxi driver only stopped there on the way to Alnwick Castle. I didn’t actually go in as you need pay for it but I did take some pictures of the outside. Construction is attributed to Henry of Scotland but it may also have been built by King Henry II of England. It was first documented in a charter of 1157 – 1164 when it was given to Roger FitzRichard. Several English kings stayed overnight at the castle.In 1345 Henry de Percy, 2nd Baron Percy took control of the castle. It eventually fell into disrepair. In 1922 Alan Percy, 8th Duke of Northumberland, granted custodianship of the castle to the Office of Works.

Alnwick Castle

The original plan was Alnwick Castle so off we went! Alnwick Castle is the seat of the Duke of Northumberland. The current Duke and his family still live in the castle and it’s only open for tourists in the summer season. Due to the castle’s close proximity to the Scottish border, it was besieged several times in history.

Alnwick Castle from a distance

Sir Henry Percy ‘Hotspur’ 1364-1403

State coach

Entrance to the staterooms, where photography was not allowed.

And close to Alnwick Castle, the view towards Scotland.

The Castle

The Castle gave the city of Newcastle its name. The remaining structures are the Black Gate and Castle Keep, the main tower. A wooden motte and bailey style castle was built by Robert Curthose, eldest son of William I of England. A stone structure was built by Henry II of England on the same site. The Black Gate was added by Henry III. During the reign of Elizabeth I, it was already described as being ruinous.