ALNWICK Castle dates back to the 11th century and has featured in many popular TV and film productions.
Here, we take a look at the history of the castle, what has been filmed there and who lives there.
Where is Alnwick Castle?
The castle is located in Alnwick in the English county of Northumberland.
It is 36.9 miles from Newcastle and 52.9 miles from the Scottish Borders.
Who owns Alnwick Castle?
Alnwick Castle has been in the Percy family for over 700 years and remains the family home today for the 12th Duke and Duchess of Northumberland and their four children.
The current duke and his family live in the castle, but only occupy part of it. The castle is open to the public all summer. After Windsor Castle, it is the second largest inhabited castle in England.
When was Alnwick Castle built?
The castle was first built in the 11th century, with construction estimated to have started in 1096.
By the 12th century, Alnwick Castle had taken on the general layout it retains today. It has the distinction of being one of the oldest castles in England built without a square keep.
Alnwick Castle underwent several renovations in its first five centuries, the most important of which was commissioned by Henry Percy, 1st Baron Percy of Alnwick.
The castle boasts numerous defences, including 2m thick walls, a 7m deep moat, two pillars and thick oak gates.
What did Downton Abbey film at Alnwick Castle?
Between 2014 and 2015, Downton Abbey used the state rooms in the castle for filming.
However, this is not the main castle where the popular drama was filmed.
Highclere Castle is where Downton Abbey was mainly filmed. It is located in the English countryside between Bath and London, geographically nowhere near the fictional town of Downton, Yorkshire.
What did Harry Potter shoot at Alnwick Castle?
Two Harry Potter films used Alnwick Castle as a filming location.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, released in 2001, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002, used the castle grounds as a filming location.
