Alnwick Castle, Medieval castle in Alnwick, England.
Alnwick Castle is a fortified medieval complex in Northumberland that has stood since the 11th century and now serves as both residence and museum. Thick defensive walls surround several inner courtyards, while the state apartments feature carved wooden ceilings and paintings by Venetian masters.
A Norman baron built the first fortress in the late 11th century to secure the northern English border against Scottish raids. The Percy family took possession in the early 14th century and expanded the complex during the Tudor and Stuart periods with formal residential quarters.
The castle's name comes from the River Aln, which it guards at a road crossing. It has served as a film location since the 1950s, appearing in Robin Hood films, Elizabeth, Downton Abbey and the Harry Potter series. It also keeps one of only three complete English longbows not found in archaeological contexts, preserved from the Battle of Hedgeley Moor in 1464.
The visit takes around three hours and covers several building sections, including stairs without elevators in the upper floors. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the courtyards and ramparts are paved with uneven cobblestones.
Alnwick holds one of only three complete English longbows not recovered from archaeological finds; this one came from the 1464 Battle of Hedgeley Moor and was kept by the castle's owners through the centuries. The castle also served as a filming location for Harry Potter, Robin Hood and Downton Abbey.
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