OVER THE HA-HA

 Glimpses of the old lands in and around Wentworth Castle in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, which we visited today.

Have you been in the countryside lately?

DUNSTANBURGH CASTLE: EMERGING FROM THE MISTS OF TIME

Dunstanburgh

[14th Century]

Near Craster

Northumbria

ALNWICK CASTLE

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?

Castle Wizard

Yesterday me and the missus visited Alnwick castle in the ancient county of Northumberland in Northern England.

The castle is still completely intact and home to the current Earl. His family have lived there for hundreds of years. The grandeur of its interior is eye watering. Bristling with hung Canalletos and Titians and 14000  antique tomes, it is a fitting home for aristocracy. I did however, as I always do in such country piles, feel for the tens of thousands of ordinary subjects throughout history on who‘s shoulders this grand mound stands.

Modern barons have to make a living and Alnwick has been hired out. Blackadder has been shot there but it’s most famous turn is as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. Judging by the number of excited youngsters thronging on the grounds it was easy to see the attraction. There was even a broomstick flying lesson going on, as well as an impressive falconry display. Kids everywhere had either swords, wands or even plastic Potter broomsticks. Dumbledore wandered through at one point.

But it has to be said that Alnwick castle hasn’t flaunted its famous link. It’s quite subtle and the main dragon Expo is a separate ticketed feature.

Even the town doesn‘t get too excited like say Whitby does with Dracula. I did see a stack of hardback Harry Potter books at £10 each in a Charity shop. It really could be Hogwarts Central if it wanted and I‘m sure the throngs of adoring HP fans would come running.

Have you been to a castle readers? Do you like Harry Potter?

H A R D W I C K

 

Hardwick Hall

Derbyshire

Spooky!

A WEE DRIVE 5

Having crossed over the border back into England we visited the rambling house of Cragside.

The home of Lord Armstrong, this grand Northumbrian pile, preserved by the National Trust, is testament to how the super rich lived in the 1800's.

Armstrong was an engineering genius, mastered hydro-electric power, built bridges and structures, employed thousands and made millions.

Cragside was his electric castle.

It bristles with the first gen light bulbs gently illuminating stags' heads and heraldic lions. The counterpoint of industry and nobility is everywhere.

William Morris wallpaper too!

This little wooden train was a subtle reminder of children having once lived amidst all this grandeur too.

This huge shower head gives a visible hint of the owner's love of channeling water.

The boot  and hat store included a small dressed soldier doll half way down to the left. An action figure!

Bathrooms, windows and stairwells abound.

as do desks, lamps and early electric light.

A Victorian engineer's palace flowing with currents, both charge and water.

The Lord even had a Turkish plunge pool and sauna for his rich guests but not his many servants I fear.

I wasn't sure what to make of all the grand opulence on display as we left Cragside.  The grounds themselves incorporate a six mile carraige drive, which can now be driven along by car if you so desire!

It was worlds away from how most people lived in its day and still is now but I'm glad the National Trust have it for us all to enjoy.

Have you been to Cragside?

These final snaps when I saw them reminded me of those murky and monochrome shots of the haunted Belasco house in the Seventies horror flick The Legend of Hell House!

What do you think?