Approximately 19 miles from the border between England and Scotland in England's Northumberland county, England, is a stately castle. It is the largest inhabited castle in England. It is referred to as the Windsor of the North. Within its 26 acres, Alnwick Castle and Gardens is the home of the Duke of Northumberland'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 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 Canaletto, 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."
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 Henry Percy KG (most Noble Order of the Garter) Senior or of Knighthood in English History. Also known as Harry Hotspur (1364‐1403) Second Earl of Northumberland. Slain during Battle of Shrewsbury, 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