Warkworth Castle, Northumberland

8th July 2018 
This is one of our favourite castles, I'd been here once before and there is just something about it I just love ! 

Exactly when the castle was built is unknown 
1157-1164 - Henry II granted the castle and estate to Roger Fitz Eustace - it is thought that the castle wasn't very big at this time 
1199 - Roger's son Robert purchases Warkworth Castle and works on castle- much of which is still seen today
1213 - King John visits the castle
1214 - Robert's son, John completes the work to the castle 
1292 - King Edward I stays at the castle 
During the Anglo-Scottish wars, Warkworth played its part and had some military presence 
1328 - Edward III grants the castle to Henry Percy, 2nd Lord Percy, which becomes the Percy's favourite residence 
Late 1300s - Henry Percy, 1st Earl of Northumberland builds the Great Tower 
1399- Henry Percy is involved in deposing Richard II, but then quarrell with replacement Henry IV. Warkworth is seized by the king 
1416 - Castle restored to Henry Percy, 2nd Earl of Northumberland but he and his son die during the Wars of the Roses
The castle remains in the Percy family however, although by 1550 is in rapid decay 
By 1567 - sixth Earl's nephew restores the castle 
1605 - ninth Earl involved in Gubpowder plot, castle passes to Sir Ralph Grey (owner of Chillingham Castle), though he pays little attention to the castle and it falls once again into disrepair 
1617 - James I visits Warkworth 
Castle is pretty much neglected 
Late 1700s - 4th Duke of Northumberland Algernon Percy restores parts of the castle
1900s- castle had various uses and used intermittently

This castle is a good size, with parts of towers to explore , including the Great Tower which is the most intact. 
The sandy coloured stone just gives it so much character - it is a must visit! 

Owned by English Heritage 
Designated car park
Small shop, Toilets 
Guidebook, audio tour 
Dogs allowed

N & K

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