Warkworth, Northumberland

A short tour of Warkworth, Northumberland, UK in February 2008
The magnificent cross-shaped keep of Warkworth Castle, crowning a hilltop rising steeply above the River Coquet, dominates one of the largest, strongest and most impressive fortresses in northern England. The castle's most famous owners were the Percy family, whose lion badge can be seen carved on many parts of their stronghold. Wielding almost kingly power in the north, their influence reached its apogee under the first Earl of Northumberland and his son 'Harry Hotspur', hero of many Border ballads as the bane of Scots raiders and a dominant character in Shakespeare's Henry IV. Having helped to depose Richard II, these turbulent 'kingmakers' both fell victim to Henry IV: the next three Percy Earls likewise died violent deaths.

Still roofed and almost complete, the uniquely-planned keep dates mainly from the end of the 14th century. It presides over the extensive remains of a great hall, chapel, fine gatehouse and a virtually intact circuit of towered walls.

Half a mile from the castle, tucked away by the Coquet and accessible only by boat, stands a much more peaceful building: the late medieval cave Hermitage and chapel of a solitary holy man.

Honours!! No27 top rated video this week!!
Thanks Folks!

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Travel & Events

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• Warkworth
• Northumberland
• Castle
• Culture
• Landmark
• UTD111
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[northumbrian15]

just realised who's singing on this, it's all lovely, i'm jealous

[UTD111]

Pah! Call that singing?? :o)

[podpictures]

We love the 14th C gatehouse to the bridge. If I order online, can you deliver it to my address?

[UTD111]

We're so sorry sir! By all means pay online but its collect only....:o)

[TyneLiz]

Beautiful video of a beautiful place.

I was last there 50 years ago, so glad to see

its still retained its charm.

[UTD111]

Thank you! Watch out for the others vids - I'll gradually be working my way up the Northumberland heritage coast as time permits!!

[timothydavey1]

Im happy to live in northumberland.

[TheMercSmurf]

I love living here

[mrshopeandglory]

Warkworth is so cool - you should also check out the Northumbria Trails video it has some awsome shots!

[dwade070]

i was the drummer inapageant here in the 80s and live in amble close by lovely to have this on your door step

[Wingdoss]

I lived in the castle for a long weekend back in the mid 90's when I ran a large medieval event there. Memories, both good and bad.

[chassespleen86]

Pevsner says that approaching Warkworth from the Alnwick road represents the most exciting sequence of views in England, seeing the keep of the castle rising majestically from the winding Castle Street. I agree but I don't think tears in heaven is really the most apropos song to reflect Warkworth. Perhaps 'The Wind' by Cat Stevens is better. But what do I know, I've only lived there for the last 20 years......

[northumbrian15]

you sound like my dad lol

[nippysweetie3]

great vid, you gotta get along to Longhoughton too, thanks