Mysterious Northumberland Castle brings Harry Potter magic

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Saturday, September 13th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Harry Potter fans will remember the scene in the movie when he makes his first flight on a broomstick,from Howart’s lawn.Well for the film location they chose Alnwick Castle.

In fact the Castle was used for both these films

2002 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus

and

2001 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus

You can see a picture of the Hogwart’s lawn, here, however if you would like to visit the castle then there is self catering accomodation available nearby.

Film buffs might also be interested to know that Alnwick Castle was also used for the following films with a quite distinguished list of actors and actresses over the years.

998 - Monk Dawson
Directed by Tom Waller. Rhona Mitra and Martin Kemp co-starred

1998 - Elizabeth
A Working Title production with Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush and Christopher Eccleston

1991 - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Alan Rickman and Kevin Costner starred

1982 - Ivanhoe
Starring Anthony Andrews and James Mason

1979 - The Spaceman and King Arthur
Jim Dale and Kenneth More starred, production be Walt Disney

1971 - Mary Queen of Scots
Glenda Jackson and Vanessa Redgrave were the stars with direction from Hal Wallis

1964 - Becket
Starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, and produced by Hal Wallis

Perhaps we should also say a little about the history of the Castle.

The earliest parts of the castle were built by Yves de Vescy the Baron of Alnwick in 1096, just 30 years after the Battle of Hastings. If it helps to put the age of this magnificent castle into perspective then remember that it was built about a generation before the birth of Ghengis Khan!

The Castle does seem to have a unique flavour. Part of this is probably attributable to its age but of course there is also the architecture and layout. The carved stone figures set randomly on top of the high walls give it a unique character and one can easily see why moviemakers favour the place.

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