A L N W I C K C A S T L E
N O R T H U M B E R L A N D , E N G L A N D
H i s G r a c e T h e D u k e o f N o r t h u m e r l a n d , K . G . , M . C .
Described by the Victorians as the “Windsor of the North,” Alnwick Castle is
the second largest inhabited castle in England after Windsor and has been the
home of the Percys, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland, since 1309. This
border stronghold has survived many battles, but now peacefully dominates
the picturesque market town of Alnwick, overlooking landscape designed by
Capability Brown. The stern, mediaeval exterior belies the wonderful house
within, furnished in palatial Italian Renaissance style, with paintings by Titian,
Van Dyck and Canaletto, fine furniture and an exquisite collection of china.
The family has been forever in history and much heralded by William
Shakespeare, Sir Walter Scott and other great poets. More recently the Dukes
have been Royal Courtiers, scholars and diplomats and the present Duke is the
finest gunshot in England!
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