This is Alnwick Castle, the ancient stronghold shouldering the River Aln in the kingdom of Northumbria.
Me and the Missus visited over Spring Bank.
Vast and complete with a resident Earl, its sprawling medieval bulk has witnessed history and made history.
It was Hogwarts as well.
It was first begun in stone in 1096.
The ramparts bristle with statues.
The dragon experience for Potter-mad kids is neatly tucked away
Its brooding towers overlook the rural Aln valley.
Its library contains 14,000 old books.
Unusual features like this spiked lamp abound.
Alnwick is one of the many wonderful castles in this ancient Northern county and one of the most complete in England.
Naturally it had a fine shop and many a child bought plastic swords and helmets and shields just like I did when I was a knight-mad nipper.
What do you think of Alnwick Castle?
Do you like castles and knights? Did you have any toys?
I had some Timpo Knights on foot, but I think only one mounted.
ReplyDeleteTimpo knights were great!
DeleteGreat pics and a great day out by the sound of it. As for toy knights, I always liked the 1/6 scale Marx Noble Knights and their armoured horses. Sturdy vintage action figures, do you remember them, Woodsy?
ReplyDeletewere the Noble Knights akin to the Aurora ones? They looked very similar.
ReplyDeleteI see what you mean, Bill.
ReplyDeleteMego also did an action figure range of Super Knights of the Round Table.
I loved the Noble Knights. I think I had the Gold one. Mine was Marx and very plasticcy like Johnny West and Chief Cherokee from the similar Best of the West range. I adored my knight. i think they were re-issued in modern times.
ReplyDelete