Alnwick
ALNWICK [AN-ICK]ALNWICK FOR TODAY'S HITCH-HIKER
Alnwick, if you follow a map, is in the North East of England in a county called Northumberland, North Northumberland, to be exact. It is a small market town which serves as the administrative centre for the Alnwick District, and had a population of 7,100 at the time of the 2001 census.According to Country Life magazine, in October 2002, the "historic county town of Northumberland and seat of the Duke of Northumberland, Alnwick is the most picturesque market town in Northumberland, and the best place to live in Britain".
The town is situated 32 miles (51 km) south of Berwick-upon-Tweed and the Scottish border, and 5 miles (8 km) inland from the North Sea at Alnmouth.
The town dates back to approximately AD 600, and over the centuries has thrived as an agricultural centre; as the location of Alnwick Castle and home of what were in mediaeval times the most powerful northern barons, the Earls of Northumberland; as a staging post on the Great North Road between Edinburgh and London, and latterly as a modern rural centre cum dormitory town. The fabric of the town centre has changed relatively little and still retains much of its original character; however there has been appreciable growth in size over the last ten years, with a number of housing estates covering what had been pasture, and new factory and trading estate developments along the roads to the south of the town.
POINTS OF INTEREST
One of the main recognisable points of interest are of course, Alnwick Castle. The castle is famous for being the home of the Duke of Northumberland, when the Duke is in the castle, the Northumbrian flag is raised, when he is gone, the flag is taken down. Also, the castle is known as "Hogwarts School For Witchcraft And Wizardry", as it was used for several outside shots in the first two Harry Potter films. An example are when Harry is learning to use a broom. Part of this scene was recorded on the outer wall of the castle, on the Dukes side of the River Aln, known to the locals as "The Pastures". Several students from the local High School, Duchess's Community High School, were used as extras in the films. Count Dracula (1977), for the BBC, starring Louis Jordan and Frank Finlay. The Black Adder (1983), starring Rowan Atkinson. A Knight In Camelot (1998), a Disney production starring Whoopi Goldberg. These are just a couple examples of what was filmed in Alnwick.The Pastures is another Point Of Interest. Used yearly for the Alnwick Round Table fund raiser, but most recently, an 80's nostalgia gig featuring Midge Ure from the hit 1980's band, Ultravox. Midge Ure came under fire from two local teenagers in their animations for "knacking" the pastures.1 Located right next to The Pastures is the River Aln. The river runs under three bridges in the Alnwick area and leads into the North Sea via Alnmouth. An interesting story, if you're into this kind of thing, about one of the bridges, The Lion Bridge. On one side of the bridge today there is a stone Lion, yet the other side there is nothing! Story is, there was once a stone Unicorn that stood on the blank spot, however, this scared the horses in a farmer's field. The Unicorn was eventually moved into the forest area which is on the private side of The Pastures, the same side as the statue stood. There is also a legend of a real Unicorn that roams the forest... Spooky.
Barter Books is one of Europe's largest second-hand book shops. What was once the Alnwick train station, is now divided into Barter Books and The Carpet Warehouse (As seen on Sky TV). Around the building are several other establishments, a JCB rental office, Jewsons, a warehouse where you can buy wood, stone, slabs and DIY tools. Or alternatively, hire their builders. There is also a Quick Fit garage.
The Lion Column is located across the road from Barter Books. The column is a regular hangout for reprobates and miscreants, although when they are in school, you can get up close and see the four lions around the base of the column. At the top of the column, there is another lion standing proud, which can be seen from most places in Alnwick. The Lion Column was a gift to the Duke of Northumberland from the farmers of the area because he lowered taxes for them. The Duke thought the column was an eyesore and put their taxes back up assuming, "If you can afford this foul thing, you can afford the taxes."
LOCAL INFORMATION FOR THE KNOW-IT-ALL HITCH-HIKER
Population - 7,600
OS grid reference - NU186129
District - Alnwick
Shire county - Northumberland
Region - North East
Constituent country - England
Sovereign state - United Kingdom
Post town - ALNWICK
Postcode district - NE66
Dialling code - 01665
Police - Northumbria Fire - Northumberland
Ambulance - North East
European Parliament - North East England
UK Parliament - Berwick-upon-Tweed
FUN IN ALNWICK
Every Hitch-hiker needs something fun to do when they travel. But you've come to Alnwick now, so we'll try and find something.
Lionheart Radio is the local radio, presented by volunteers who are either bored with their lives or think they'd be good as presenters. The occasional great show comes along which is well worth a listen. There're shows for everyone on Lionheart Radio. Christopher McEwan and Gary Brown (when they are back) play some of the best 80's music, along with some of the most cult followed bands, like Savoy, Flare, Magne Furuholmen, Morten Harket, a-ha, ABC and Popium. Ally Lee's rock show on Wednesday 8pm - 10pm. John Bailey's 50's/60's show, Monday 7pm - 10pm and his Country Mix 7pm - 10pm. Great stuff!
Shopping is not too great in Alnwick, with only two decent stores, WH Smiths and Woolworths, you'd be best getting a bus to Newcastle which is only 36 miles South of Alnwick.
Swimming/Gym/Sports are available at the Willowburn sports centre.
1Knacking = Destroying/Breaking. The after effects of the gig and the transporting of the stage left the ground on The Pastures a marshy nightmare, which stopped the Alnwick Round Table from hosting their annual event, meaning they had to think of a new fund raising idea later in the year. They decided on a Beer Festival. It was very good.
Conversations
| Conversation Title | Latest Post | Latest Reply |
|---|---|---|
| Peer Review: A33079250 - Alnwick | Mar 6, 2008 | Mar 9, 2008 |
| Welcome from your ACE! | No Posting | Mar 6, 2008 |
| Peer Review: A33137976 - The Internet | Mar 6, 2008 | Mar 6, 2008 |
| PICTURE of Zaphod Beeblebrox! | Mar 5, 2008 | No Replies |
chitching
Researcher U11188422
Entries
Most Recent Edited Entries
- This user has not written any Edited Entries.
Entries
Disclaimer
h2g2 is created by h2g2's users, who are members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of Not Panicking Ltd. If you consider any Entry to be in breach of the site's House Rules, please register a complaint. For any other comments, please visit the Feedback page.
Write an Entry
"The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is a wholly remarkable book. It has been compiled and recompiled many times and under many different editorships. It contains contributions from countless numbers of travellers and researchers."