Warkworth is an ancient place and its outstanding castle and fortified bridge tell a violent history. The town is dominated by the Norman castle, dating from the 13th century and is mentioned in Shakespeare's Henry IV - the opening scene of Shakespeare's play "Henry IV" is set here. And Warkworth was grand enough to accommodate Edward I, who spent a night there in 1292.

In 1327 the castle was twice besieged by the Scots. Edward III, perhaps realizing that Warkworth was too far from London for him to be able to defend it properly, granted it to Henry de Percy II. It remained in the hands of the Percy family until 1403 when Henry de Percy IV, the first Earl of Northumberland, turned against Henry IV.

Warkworth was battered into submission by cannons and the earl's estates were declared forfeit. The castle passed back and forth between the Percy's and the Crown due to political maneuvering of the Percy family throughout the 15th century. In 1537 the 5th Earl of Northumberland died, leaving all of his possessions to Henry VIII. 

It has since passed in to charitable trusts and a taped commentary is available for visitors, recounting tales of the castle and its history.

Northumberland County Council