The majestic cross-shaped keep of Warkworth, which overlooks one of Northumberland’s largest, strongest, and most spectacular fortifications, crowns a hilltop ascending steeply well above River Coquet.
The Percy family, whose lion emblem can be found engraved on numerous portions of the castle, were its most renowned proprietors. The very first Earl of Northumberland and his son ‘Harry Hotspur,’ hero of numerous Border songs as the bane of Scots raids and a major role in Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV,’ had nearly kingly authority in the north, and their influence reached its pinnacle under them.
After assisting in the deposition of Richard II, these tumultuous “kingmakers” were both killed by Henry IV: the following three Percy Earls had similarly terrible fates. The unique-planned keep, which is still roofed and nearly complete, dates mostly from the end of the 14th century.
It guards the ruins of a magnificent hall, chapel, beautiful gatehouse, and a towered wall circuit that is nearly intact.
A far more tranquil edifice sits half a mile from the castle, hidden down by the Coquet and only accessible by boat: the late mediaeval cave Hermitage and church of a single holy man.
