samedi 1 octobre 2011

Warkworth







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Shortened history of the castle:

Warkworth Castle was built in a loop of the River Coquet. The original motte and bailey castle was built in the mid 12th century by Earl Henry of Northumberland, son of David I, King of Scots. The castle is most famously associated with the Percy family, who acquired the castle in 1332.

The Percy family were one of the most powerful in the country, controlling much of Northern England. Despite having a major castle nearby at Alnwick, they frequently resided at Warkworth and made big improvements to the castle, most notably with the addition of the great keep in the late 14th century.

The sixth Percy earl, Henry, on his death in 1537, left the castle and all his possessions to Henry VIII. Subsequent attempts to reinstate a Percy brought misfortune on the castle as the catholic Percy's came into conflict with the protestant Queen Elizabeth.

The castle was subsequently allowed to fall into decay.

Opening times and additionnal information:

Castle is open from October to March from 10am to 4pm, and from April to September from 10am to 5pm.

Entrance fees:
Adults: £4.80
Children: £2.90
Concessions: £4.30 (students, disabled...)
Family Ticket: £12.50

There is a free audio tour of this impressive fortress, don't miss it!

Ortucchio







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Shortened history of the castle:

This castle was built in 1465 by Antonio Piccolomini on the remains of previous fortifications, from which a large quadrangular tower remains. It is formed by a quadrangular enclosure with four cylindrical towers (one destroyed) on powerful, inclined bases.

Until the 19th century, Ortucchio Castle was completely surrounded by the waters of the Fucino Lake and was accessible only by waterways.

Opening times and additionnal information: