History Facts & Figures
Alnwick Castle is one of the most iconic and historically significant castles in England, with a legacy spanning nearly a thousand years. From its medieval origins to its transformation into a grand family home and cultural landmark, the castle offers a fascinating story told through centuries of architecture, events, and renovations. Here are some intriguing facts about Alnwick Castle in numbers:
The Castle
1138 - the first written record of Alnwick Castle, described as a ‘most heavily fortified’ structure
30 miles – the castle is located just 30 miles from the Scottish border.
6 miles – the length of the River Aln that runs through the castle and parks.
5,000 feet – the approximate length of the castle’s walls.
The Percy Family
1309 - the date the Percy family purchased the castle.
1750 - the date the family returned to restore the castle.
1766 - the date the Percy family were elevated to dukes by George III.
12 - the number of Dukes of Northumberland there have been at Alnwick Castle.
People
2011 - the year of the last official visit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
250,000 - the number of visitors Alnwick Castle welcomes each year.
3 - the number of architects – Daniel Garrett, James Paine, and Robert Adam - who contributed to the 18th century redesign.
112 - Castle staff and members of the Percy family who went to fight in the First World War.
Collections
8 - the number of paintings by Italian artist Canaletto in the collection.
14,000 - the number of catalogued books in the Library.
1683 - the year the ‘Cucci Cabinets’ now in the Drawing Room were delivered to their original owner, King Louis XIV of France
Film and TV
41 - movies and TV shows Alnwick Castle has featured in.
2 - Harry Potter movies were filmed here.
2015 - the year the final episode of Downton Abbey was filmed at the castle.