What to See in England eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 254 pages of information about What to See in England.

What to See in England eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 254 pages of information about What to See in England.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­“Northumberland Arms,” “Star
  Hotel.”
=Alternative Route.=—­Train from St. Pancras via Sheffield and York. 
  Midland Railway.

Standing in a magnificent position overlooking the town from which it takes its name, Alnwick Castle occupies the site of one of the oldest of the border points of defence.  It is believed that a fort existed here during the Roman occupation, and that a castle was erected on its site by the Saxons, who named the place Ealnwic.  Just before the Conquest the castle and barony were the property of one Gilbert Tyson, who was slain at the battle of Hastings.  His possessions passed into the hands of the Norman lords De Vesci, who held them till about 1297, when the castle and barony were bequeathed by the licence of Edward I. to the Bishop of Durham.  Shortly afterwards they were purchased by Lord Henry de Percy, from whom they have descended regularly to the present owner, the Duke of Northumberland.  The castle is one of the finest examples of a feudal fortress in England, the walls enclosing an area of five acres, and the grounds, watered by the Alne, presenting scenes of the most varied and romantic beauty.

The two north-western round towers of the keep, together with the Armourer’s and Falconer’s towers, have recently been swept away in order to accommodate the new Prudhoe Tower.  During the last six years 200 workmen have been employed in transforming the feudal interior of the castle into a Roman palazzo.

Alnwick, situated so near the border, was the scene of countless raids and conflicts during the Middle Ages, and with these fights the castle was always closely associated.  It was besieged in 1093 by Malcolm III., King of Scotland, and defended by Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland.  The Scottish king and his son Prince Edward both fell during the siege.  King David gained possession of the town in 1135.  William the Lion, who took part with young Richard, afterwards Coeur de Lion, against his father Henry II., entered Northumberland in 1174, with 80,000 men, and laid siege to Alnwick; but the attempt was a failure, and William was taken prisoner.

[Illustration:  Photochrom Co., Ltd.

ALNWICK CASTLE.

One of the finest examples of a feudal fortress in England.]

LANERCOST PRIORY, CUMBERLAND

=How to get there.=—­Train from Euston via Carlisle.  L. and N.W. 
  Railway.
=Nearest Station.=—­Brampton (Lanercost Abbey is situated 2 miles
  north of Brampton).
=Distance from London.=—­317 miles. =Average Time.=—­Varies between 6 to 9 hours.

                     1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—­Single 40s. 10d. ... 24s. 4d. 
          Return 81s. 8d. ... 48s. 8d.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­At Brampton—­“Howard Arms,”
  “White Lion Hotel.”
=Alternative Route.=—­Train from St. Pancras.  Midland Railway.

Copyrights
Project Gutenberg
What to See in England from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.