Approximately 19 miles from the border between and Scotland in England's county, England, is a stately . It is the largest inhabited castle in England. It is referred to as the Windsor of the North. Within its 26 acres, Castle and Gardens is the home of the 's family, the Percys. They have been part of the castle for over 700 years. Over its history, Alnwick has been a military outpost, a teaching college, a refuge for evacuees, a film set as well as the home of the Percy Family. The Percy family came to England from France in the 11th century with . The family history includes "treason, loss of land and property, rebellion, revolution, political intrigue, difficult economic circumstance and a rapidly changing social climate." The origins of were founded during the Norman period during the invasion of England in 1066. From 1309 through today, the Percy family has made the castle their home, though the castle was empty during the late 1500s. The Percy family heritage includes the titles of Baron, and Duke. Originally the castle's function was to control the border. Peerage and English nobility have been around for at least 1,000 years; when it began is not really known. The formation of Great Britain (1707) and the United Kingdom (1801) provided definition and rules for peerage and nobility. Initially the nobility rules were based on hereditary and male descendants only. The titles lowest to highest were: Baron, Viscount, Earl‐Count, Marquess‐Marquis, Duke and Prince of Wales. As time passed non‐hereditary positions were created. In 1958, hereditary peerage became obsolete. Under Royal British nobility, the title of Knight is the most common title. It is a lifetime title that is not transferrable. Alnwick Castle sites were used in both Harry Potter and films and television productions. In Downton Abbey, Alnwick was called Brancaster Castle. In Harry Potter, it was School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Other productions were also filmed there. They were Robin of Sherwood and even Star Trek.

The interiors of Alnwick are in Italian Renaissance style. Expensive art and furniture adorn the lavish rooms. The castle had 10 people on staff that maintain the priceless art and furniture. The site includes museums and various exhibitions that also include 19th and 20th century events. "From the huge staircase of polished Carrara marble, each tread is a solid piece of stone 12 feet in length. The result of the remodeling is a rich backdrop of damask wall hangings and fanciful coffered ceilings that provides a suitable setting for a remarkable art collection, one of the finest in England. Included are paintings by , Gainsborough, Turner, Reynolds, Tintoretto, and Titian. The collection of dinnerware is a match for the paintings, with two Meissen dinner services, and there are also two cabinets which once belonged to Louis XIV. Without a doubt, Alnwick is one of the true treasure houses of England." This photo program gives an overview of the castle and activities. The site includes a Harry Potter activity. The interior of the castle, rooms which the family used are not allowed to be photographed. The gardens include a fountain plus many exhibits including a putting course and the Treehouse Restaurant (a separate photo program). One special exhibit was the Poison Garden (also a separate photo program). The Alnwick Poison Garden is unique and is licensed by the government for educational purposes. It has been open since 2004. It contains deadly and dangerous plants; many are common plants that may be in your backyard or community parks. It was created by the Duchess for children's safety, but as viewed, it is an eye‐ opener for all ages.

Exhibits The Garden Fountain is a 30‐terraced water fall that uses 7,260 gallons of water a minute in a recycled system.

Character in the pond when you enter the Alnwick Castle Grounds and the Poison Garden area

Sir KG (most Noble Order of the Garter) Senior or of Knighthood in English History. Also known as Harry Hotspur (1364‐1403) Second . Slain during , near the River Severn.

Sources: Tour with guides, https://www.alnwickcastle.com/explore/the‐history, https://www.triphistoric.com/historic‐sites/alnwick‐castle, https://www.visitnorthumberland.com/historic‐sites/alnwick‐castle, https://www.historichouses.org/houses/house‐listing/alnwick‐castle.html, http://victorian‐era.org/royal‐british‐nobility.html#British_Aristocracy_Ranks, http://www.famouscastles.net/list‐of‐famous‐castles/alnwick‐castle/, http://primaryfacts.com/5736/alnwick‐castle‐facts‐and‐information/, https://www.anglotopia.net/british‐history/ten‐interesting‐facts‐figures‐alnwick‐ castle‐gardens/ and https://www.britainexpress.com/articles/Historic_Houses/index.htm. acuri.net John R. Vincenti Alnwick Castle