Construction Alnwick Castle

alnwick castle canaletto, circa 1750

the river aln flows past north side of castle. there deep ravine south , east, separating castle town. 12th century, alnwick castle had assumed general layout retains today. distinguished 1 of earliest castles in england built without square keep. castle consists of 2 main rings of buildings. inner ring set around small courtyard , contains principal rooms. structure @ centre of large bailey. central block not large enough contain accommodations required in later centuries, large range of buildings constructed along south wall of bailey. these 2 main areas of accommodation connected link building. there towers @ regular intervals along walls of outer bailey. sixth of bailey wall has been reduced ground level on bailey side open views park. stable , service yards adjoin castle outside bailey; these not have existed when castle still had military function.

alnwick castle has 2 parks. north of castle relatively small park straddling river aln landscaped lancelot brown ( capability brown ) , thomas call in 18th century; known locally pastures. nearby larger hulne park, contains remains of hulne priory.

the castle in repair , used many purposes. provides home present duke , family , offices northumberland estates, manages duke s extensive farming , property holdings.

alnwick s battlements surmounted carved figures dating around 1300; historian matthew johnson notes around time there several castles in northern england decorated, such bothal, lumley, , raby.