Warkworth
Location
Sitting astride the A1068 coast road
3 miles south of Alnmouth,
and just over 7 miles southeast of Alnwick.
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History
The ancient fortified village
of Warkworth has a long history, built on a rocky spur within
a tight loop of the River Coquet, close to the river mouth.
The settlement is situated in a classic defensive position,
Anglo-Saxons who would have protected their settlement with
a wooden stockade undoubtedly occupied the present site
of the castle.
Four things stand out at Warkworth
above all others, the Castle, the Norman bridge, the Church
and the Hermitage. Warkworth is one of the jewels in the
Northumberland crown. Dominated by the massive medieval
keep, the view along Main Street is one of the finest in
the country. |
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Regional court, military stronghold,
massive aristocratic home, Warkworth Castle was all of these as
home to the all-powerful Percy family, who at times wielded more
power in the north than the King himself. Built in 1150 by Henry,
son of King David 1st of Scotland, the castle with its prominent
hilltop location, completely dominates the village and the surrounding
area.
Harry Hotspur (1364 - 1403), 'Hotspur'
was the nickname of Sir Henry Percy, the eldest son of the 1st
Earl of Northumberland, so called because of the speed with which
he would attack Scottish raiding parties.
Dating from the same period as the
castle, are the Norman bridge and gatehouse. Built in the last
quarter of the 14th century, the bridge has several interesting
features. The defensive tower on the south side with its lock-up
cell is unique in Northumberland and one of the few remaining
in the country.
The first record of a church on the
site of The Church of St. Lawrencece was in 738 AD, when Ceolwulf,
the King of Northumbria, gave the church with the rest of the
village of Wercewode, as it was then known, to the monastery at
Lindisfarne.
The Hermitage also dates from the 14th
century. Although its origins are shrouded in mystery it is probable
that the hermitage was built on the orders of the Percy family.
The peaceful existence in Warkworth
since the fifteenth century was briefly interrupted in 1715 when
James the Pretender was proclaimed King of England in the market
place.
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Attractions
Unspoilt by modern development
or tourism the centre of Warkworth is unspoilt. It retains
its medieval character with many fine houses and interesting
hotels.
It is worth spending some time
wandering along the quiet main street, visiting some of
the interesting craft shops and enjoying a few moments in
a café or pub.
The beach extends the length
of Alnmouth Bay between the estuaries of the Aln and Coquet.
The water and the beaches have won awards for their cleanliness,
their isolation ensures that they are never crowded. |
Walkers have a very pleasant footpath
along the south bank of the river. The walk to the beach is from
the north end of the bridge and should be continued southwards
along the sands to the old and disintegrating harbour wall, from
where a of old Warkworth harbour can be found.
For those interested in birds there
is plenty to see on the river with a large number of swans. Herons
also fish here.
The beach is a good twenty minutes
walk from the village centre, the visitor can drive and there
is a car park alongside the picnic area.
The Hermitage is located half a mile
upstream of the castle on the north bank of the river. You can
reach it by following a path along the south bank until you reach
a boat landing. You can hire a boat to cross to the hermitage.
Hidden by trees and carved into the rock the hermitage includes
a chapel, confessional and dormitory.
Cyclists can enjoy an easy 18-mile
day ride, the route has no major climbs and is featured in the
recently published 'Sustrans Cycle Northumberland' booklet. Starting
in the village, the route heads west inland on quiet lanes, and
passes through Guyzance, Acklington and Broomhill. Rejoining the
coast at the vast expanse of Druridge Bay and returning north
via the fishing port of Amble.
A shorter 11-mile route is available should the rider feel this
is more suitable.
