Warkworth 

(England - Northumbria)

In Warkworth village there is an imposing, fortified gatehouse, constructed on the medieval bridge that spans the River Coquet, it was built with the intent of repelling invading armies. The Church of St Lawrence has a 14th century spire atop its 13th century tower, an interior that is almost completely Norman, an unusual stone-vaulted chancel, some beautiful altar rails and fine examples of Celtic Crosses. This church, now a picture of serenity, was the scene of a terrible massacre in 1174, when some 300 of the townsfolk, seeking refuge there from Scottish raiders, were brutally put to the sword and butchered by Duncan, Earl of Fife.

Warkworth Castle, with its soaring towers, is situated most strikingly above a wooded valley in a loop of the River Coquet - it's origins date back to a Norman Motte and Bailey castle built by Robert de Mowbray, Earl of Northumberland. The Great Gate Tower, guarding the southern approach, and the equally impressive Carrick Fergus Tower, were additions made to the castle around 1200 by Robert Fitz Roger. In 1331, the Percy family took ownership of the castle, and it was the birthplace of Sir Henry Percy (Shakespeare's 'Hotspur'), friend and then bitter enemy of Henry IV. Earlier history links Warkworth with Robert the Bruce, and before that with the Venerable Bede, and as long ago as AD737 with the Abbot of Holy Island. Later, in 1557, the eighth Earl became involved in the Gunpowder Plot and died in the Tower of London.

 

    

 

Half a mile upstream is Warkworth Hermitage, reached by a short boat trip. This 14th century hermitage was hewn from the rock face and in use until the 16th century, when religious upheaval saw an end of hermits.

Whether travelling north to Edinburgh, or exploring inland to Kielder Water and the Northumberland National Park, Warkworth provides the ideal starting point for visitors to this county - most especially because of the numerous castles and historic places of interest along the nearby coastline.