Alnwick

Alnwick stands in Northumberland beneath the great castle of the Percy family. The Percys acquired the stronghold in 1309 and strengthened its walls, towers and gatehouse during the fourteenth century. Their lands and military power made them leading figures on the turbulent border with Scotland. Henry Percy, known as Hotspur, was born at Alnwick and fought in the border wars before rebelling against Henry IV. He was killed at the battle of Shrewsbury in 1403. By the eighteenth century the castle had declined, but a revival of the family's fortunes brought an ambitious restoration, transforming the old fortress into a grand Gothic residence.