Alnwick town walls

Alnwick town walls are medieval stone fortifications that include the Bondgate Tower and Pottergate, which form important sections of the defensive ring that once surrounded the entire settlement. Both structures remain standing and dominate the townscape in this northern part of Northumberland.

Permission to build these fortifications came in 1434 when Henry VI allowed the town to collect taxes on imports to pay for construction. The project took decades to complete and represented a major undertaking that shaped the town's defense systems.

The Bondgate Tower displays the Percy lion emblem, which shows how the powerful Percy family shaped the town's identity for centuries. This symbol remains visible on the structure and connects the walls to the noble family's lasting influence over the place.

These listed structures are accessible to visitors who want to explore the medieval heritage of the region on foot. Walking around them gives you a clear sense of how they once protected the town and where they still stand in the modern landscape.

The project was unusual because the town was designed with four separate gates rather than the more common defensive layouts of the time. This choice shows how Alnwick took its own approach to shaping its defenses.

Location: Alnwick

GPS coordinates: 55.41265,-1.70372

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20