2009 is a special year for Alnwick Castle and for the Percy family as they celebrate 700 years of the ownership of both Castle and Barony.
As evidenced by a charter still in existence in the Castle archives, it was on November 19th, 1309 that Henry Lord Percy made this historic purchase from Anthony Bek, the Bishop of Durham.
Details of the exact price paid have been lost over time, but evidence of a loan taken out by Henry Percy at the time, and records of a buy back clause inserted by Bishop Bek, have led historians to conclude that the sale price is likely to fall between the two ammounts of £2,666 13s 4d and £6,666 13s 4d.
700 Year Exhibition
To mark the anniversary a new exhibition will open at the Castle this summer. Appealing to both adults and children alike, it aims to tell something of the 700 year history through the fascinating personalities of Percy family members. By choosing a character to represent each of the 100 years, from child Knight Harry Hotspur to the current Duke, the exhibition takes visitors on a voyage of discovery around the Castle and grounds.