It's wild to think that Alnwick Castle was once abandoned - that legendary colossal giant featured in films like Harry Potter and shows like Downton Abbey.
Through vigorous restoration efforts fueled by legendary architects and horticulturalist spanning hundreds of years, the castle was reborn.
In today’s episode, we’ll not only give you a guided tour of this illustrious home, but also dive a bit deeper and explain how one of England’s most beautiful castles avoided the wrecking ball.
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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:52 Chapter 1: The Awe-Inspiring Alnwick
8:23 Chapter 2: The Beginnings of Alnwick Castle
12:21 Chapter 3: Abandonment and Desertion
15:01 Chapter 4: The Resurgence
20:04 Chapter 5: Alnwick Today
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Nestled in the heart of Northumberland, Alnwick Castle commands the English landscape with a majesty rooted in ancient origins.
As the second-largest inhabited castle in the UK, it serves as the prestigious stronghold of the Percy family, echoing a legacy rich in the tumultuous history of British aristocracy.
Despite periods of grandeur, Alnwick once faced a darker era of silence and abandonment when the Percy family withdrew, leaving its grand halls and lush gardens to the wild.
But fate had grander plans.
Through centuries of cultural significance, Alnwick Castle was resurrected through rigorous restoration efforts.
Today’s narrative explores how one of England’s most beautiful castles avoided the wrecking ball, recounting its rise from abandonment to splendor.
Alnwick Castle has been the Percy family's home since 1309 when Lord Henry Percy acquired it, passing through generations of warriors, strategists, and diplomats.
Apart from its historical depth, the castle has also starred in numerous films and TV shows, including doubling as Hogwarts in the first two "Harry Potter" films and appearing in "Downton Abbey" and "Transformers: The Last Knight."
Its architecture, featuring a double bailey and a circle of ten towers, combines defensive strength with aesthetic grandeur.
Inside, the State Rooms, refurbished in the 19th century, exhibit the Percy family’s taste for splendor, housing a collection of arms and a library of nearly fifteen thousand books.
The Drawing Room and the Great Hall, among other spaces, showcase Italianate grandeur and medieval robustness, respectively.
The grounds are equally impressive, with the Duchess of Northumberland's revival of the Alnwick Garden in 2001, introducing contemporary design into a charity-focused landscape.
The garden features the Grand Cascade, a theatrical water display, and the Poison Garden, home to about 100 toxic plants secured behind bars, offering tales of historical poisonings.
The saga of Alnwick Castle began in 1096 with Yves de Vescy and has witnessed continuous enhancements, including the Percy family's modifications in the 14th century which transformed it from a military outpost to a cultural hub.
The castle’s resilience was tested through events like the Anglo-Scottish wars and the English Civil War, leading to periods of decline.
However, the 18th-century architectural revival led by Robert Adam and others restored its former glory, aligning it with both modern comforts and medieval splendor.
The restoration continued under Algernon Percy, the 4th Duke of Northumberland, in the 19th century, with architect Anthony Salvin blending historical reverence with modern needs, which preserved the castle's integrity while introducing modern comforts.
Today, Alnwick Castle balances its ancient heritage with modern vibrancy.
It hosts historical reenactments and interactive tours, enhancing visitor engagement and educational opportunities. Recent restoration efforts ensure the castle’s structural integrity and historical accuracy, preparing it for future generations.
Alnwick is not just a relic of the past but a dynamic cultural hub, inviting visitors to experience its storied halls and vibrant history.
Alnwick Castle's journey from a Norman stronghold to a living piece of history is a testament to resilience and revival, symbolizing the endurance of cultural heritage through the ages.