Old Images of Alnwick: A Glimpse into Northumberland History

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Glimpse the past through old images of Alnwick, a historic market town and seat of the Duke of Northumberland.

Famed for its large Norman castle—which has hosted many film crews including the Harry Potter franchise—the beautiful Alnwick Garden which opened twenty years ago, and renowned secondhand bookshop Barter Books located in an old railway station, this attractive and historic market town has been captured on film for decades.

Old Pictures of Alnwick


























































Old Photos of Alnwick










































Old Videos of Alnwick

1926: New Year's Percy Hunt

In 1926, the traditional New Year’s Percy Hunt featured the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland. This annual gathering at Alnwick Castle was a cornerstone of the local social calendar, showcasing the region's deep-rooted equestrian and hunting traditions.


Duke And Duchess Of Northumberland (1926):  British Pathé on YouTube

1927: Historical Pageant

A grand historical pageant was held in Alnwick in 1927. The event involved a wide array of local residents, including men, women, and children, who donned period costumes to reenact the rich history of Northumbria against the backdrop of the castle.


Northumbrian's Historical Pageant in Alnwick, England (1927): British Pathé on YouTube


1932: Shrovetide Football Match

Shrovetide football is an ancient English tradition dating back to the 12th century. Originally played with a pig’s bladder, these matches were historically "rough and tumble" events held in town centers, often requiring shopkeepers to barricade their windows.

  • The Alnwick Tradition: In the 19th century, Alnwick’s match moved from the streets to pasture land owned by the Duke of Northumberland. This move likely preserved the game, whereas similar games in nearby towns like Chester-le-Street were banned by 1932 for being too rumbustious.

  • The 1932 Match: British Pathé captured the event, showing a procession led by the Duke’s piper from the castle gates to the pasture. The game took a dramatic turn when several players waded neck-deep into the freezing River Aln to pursue the ball.



British Pathé

The Duke of Northumberland’s Official Piper

The Northumbrian smallpipes are a distinct, quieter relative of the Scottish bagpipes, played with bellows rather than a mouthpiece. The Duke has employed an official piper for over 250 years.

  • James Hall: Retired in 1931 as the last full-time piper.

  • James Byrnes: Appointed in 1931, he is the piper seen in the 1932 British Pathé film leading the Shrovetide procession.

  • Successors: Jack Armstrong took over in 1949. Today, the role is held by Richard Butler.

1937–1938: Percy Hunt and Continued Traditions

The late 1930s saw the continuation of Alnwick's most famous traditions, documented shortly before the outbreak of World War II.

1937 New Year's Percy Hunt




New Year's Percy Hunt at Alnwick in Northumberland (1937): BReuters Connect on YouTube


1938 New Year's Percy Hunt





Percy Hunt At Alnwick End (1938): British Pathé on YouTube


1938 Shrovetide Football




Alnwick (1938): British Pathé on YouTube

1941: Nazi Military Mapping

During World War II, Alnwick was a point of interest for German intelligence. A 1941 Nazi map titled Militärgeographische Einzelangaben über England (Military-Geographical Details of England) included Alnwick. These maps, now held by the US Library of Congress, featured detailed objective maps and images intended for military use during a potential invasion.



1960 Alnwick Show




Alnwick Fair 1976: sundial12 on YouTube

1969 Alnwick Fair

This news segment looking back at the first event in 1969 includes interviews with fair organisers Ken Lewis and Mable Forsythe.





ALNWICK FAIR 1969: JAY 472 on YouTube

1976 Alnwick Fair




Alnwick Fair 1976: kellyfan222 on YouTube

1977 Shrove Tuesday Football





Shrove Tuesday Alnwick 1977. Jason Sumner. (JAY 472 on YouTube)

1978 Alnwick Fair

Although this footage starts with the 1978 Alnwick Fair, we also see John Le Mesurier being interviewed on location of Disney’s feature film 'A spaceman and King Arthur'. 





Alnwick Fair 1978: kellyfan222 on YouTube

1983 Blackadder Film Crew

A quick, silent home movie clip from February 1983. Scenes from the first series of Blackadder is filming in Hulne Park.





Filming "Black Adder"; Alnwick 1983: Dennis Sisterson

1980s Alnwick Fair




Alnwick Fair Week - during the 1980s: Islaymalt1 on YouTube

1991 Shrove Tuesday Football in the Snow

It may have been snowing, but nothing was going to stop play! Organiser Philip Egdell is interviewed.





ALNWICK SHROVE TUESDAY FOOTBALL-1991. - Jason sumner (JAY 472 on YouTube)

Alnwick Fair in the mid-1990s





Alnwick Fair Once More: Dorothy Curtis on YouTube


2011 Queen Elizabeth Visit

On 22nd June 2011, the famous Northumbrian market town of Alnwick welcomed Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip for an official Royal visit.

The day began with the Royals officially opening the town's new Youth Hostel. Following the ceremony, they attended a special event at The Alnwick Garden, held to celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions of local carers and volunteers.

As captured in the records of the day, the streets of Alnwick looked exceptionally smart, lined with a vibrant and enthusiastic local community that turned out in force to greet the Royal visitors.





Her Majesty The Queen and Prince Phiip in Alnwick: Quentin Field-Boden on YouTube


2011 Wilkinson Store Opening

On 19th August 2011, the Mayor arrived to officially open the new Wilkinson Store. The Alnwick Playhouse Concert Band provided the jolly trumpet fanfare.





Wilkinson Store Opening - Alnwick: Quentin Field-Boden on YouTube

Location: Alnwick NE66, UK

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