Percy Cottage : History of the Area

Northumberland has a long history, dating back to the Viking invasions, which terrorrised many religious foundations on the North East coast.

The area's rich history has left many splendid castles and priories as its legacy, from the grandeur of Alnwick and Bamburgh to the ruins of Dunstanburgh and Etal. In addition there is Holy Island with its priory and castle.

Alnwick

Alnwick Castle, the home of the Percy family since 1309, is second only in size to Windsor Castle as an occupied castle. It was used as the location on the first two Harry Potter films. The town of Alnwick is an ancient market town and features a good array of small, independent retailers selling great gifts and souveniers, as well as a number of good restaurants and pubs, a theatre and other leisure activities, great for a night out. The Hotspur Gate (pictured) in Alnwick, is almost all that remains of the town fortifications. The prevalence of castles and fortified towns in Northumberland, bears witness to its bloody history.

Bamburgh

Steeped in history, Bamburgh Castle is the home of the Armstrong family, and has been extensively restored in the nineteenth and mid eighteenth century. It is situated in the picturesque town of Bamburgh, which also features a green and a large old church. Bamburgh also has easy access to a beautiful, unspoiled part of the Northumberland Coast overlooking the Farne Islands. Just like the area surrounding Percy Cottage there are also great opportunities to see wildlife here too

Holy Island of Lindesfarne

Reached by a causeway, The Holy Island of Lindesfarne has a rich and varied history, including being one of the first places of Christianity in England and also one of the first places The Vikings landed. Featuring a castle, one of the first priories in England (home of St. Cuthbert), permanent exhibitions in the Lindesfarne Centre, a harbour and very well preserved lime kilns, Lindesfarne is an interesting place to explore. It is also excellent for wildlife, with the nearby Farne Islands a place to see puffins and seals.

The Lindisfarne Centre celebrates the Island's heritage. There are several perminant exhibitions, including the Lindisfarne Gospels and Vikings on Holy Island.