A Brief History of Alnwick Castle
If you're planning a trip to Alnwick Castle, you're in for a treat.
You're about to be cast into a rich and ancient history that dates back all the way to the great wars that ravished the land in 1172 and 1174 -- when the infamous and ravenous Scottish King (King William The Lion) besieged the kingdom and caused turmoil for all the residents in the area.
Fortunately, the great castle survived the conquest of King William, and now it is still here -- alive and restored for us to appreciate its majesty.
The castle was constructed by Yvo de Vescy -- who used wood and mortar for most of its construction.
Though the Percy Family had to make dramatic changes in an effort to restore the castle to a state that would stand the test of time, one can still see many inklings of past construction in all her nooks and crannies.
Like the castle's bloody past, even the Percy family themselves were never far from controversy.
Thomas Percy was even beheaded by Queen Elizabeth no less - in 1572.
In more recent times, Sir Hugh Smithson became the first Duke of Northumberland in 1766.
He was primarily responsible for most of the castle restoration.
Beginning in 1755, his renovations are often appreciated for his use of gothic architecture.
The renovations were, by all accounts impressive -- even in their day.
Since then students of architectural history from universities near and far, still visit the castle to study their unique mason and wood blends.
It is truly an act of craftsmanship, when, compared with the technology of the day, how much the good people of the time were really able to accomplish with so little, and with not much at their disposal.
After his passing, the 2nd Duke of Northumberland actually served in the American War of Independence.
Even during this time, the Constable's Tower was used as an armory for the army.
And served its purpose to repel the likes of no less then Napoleon Bonaparte.
But the story goes on, for the castle played a role in the lives of 6 more Duke's.
And it was not until the 6th Duke of Northumberland that significant refurnishing and rebuilding began to emerge.
He is in many ways widely responsible for the castle as we know it today, and seeing the fine craftsmanship of the era will no doubt be a fun family experience.
You're about to be cast into a rich and ancient history that dates back all the way to the great wars that ravished the land in 1172 and 1174 -- when the infamous and ravenous Scottish King (King William The Lion) besieged the kingdom and caused turmoil for all the residents in the area.
Fortunately, the great castle survived the conquest of King William, and now it is still here -- alive and restored for us to appreciate its majesty.
The castle was constructed by Yvo de Vescy -- who used wood and mortar for most of its construction.
Though the Percy Family had to make dramatic changes in an effort to restore the castle to a state that would stand the test of time, one can still see many inklings of past construction in all her nooks and crannies.
Like the castle's bloody past, even the Percy family themselves were never far from controversy.
Thomas Percy was even beheaded by Queen Elizabeth no less - in 1572.
In more recent times, Sir Hugh Smithson became the first Duke of Northumberland in 1766.
He was primarily responsible for most of the castle restoration.
Beginning in 1755, his renovations are often appreciated for his use of gothic architecture.
The renovations were, by all accounts impressive -- even in their day.
Since then students of architectural history from universities near and far, still visit the castle to study their unique mason and wood blends.
It is truly an act of craftsmanship, when, compared with the technology of the day, how much the good people of the time were really able to accomplish with so little, and with not much at their disposal.
After his passing, the 2nd Duke of Northumberland actually served in the American War of Independence.
Even during this time, the Constable's Tower was used as an armory for the army.
And served its purpose to repel the likes of no less then Napoleon Bonaparte.
But the story goes on, for the castle played a role in the lives of 6 more Duke's.
And it was not until the 6th Duke of Northumberland that significant refurnishing and rebuilding began to emerge.
He is in many ways widely responsible for the castle as we know it today, and seeing the fine craftsmanship of the era will no doubt be a fun family experience.
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