St Michael’s Church (Alnwick)

📌 Alnwick, Northumberland
★★

St Michael’s is probably missed by many visitors to Alnwick, being close to – but just out of sight from – the west entrance to Alnwick Castle. The current building dates to the 15th century, but overlies a 12th century chapel and possibly even an 8th century one too. An odd-looking corner tower (on the right as you approach) is an old lookout to guard against border reivers. Inside, there are several medieval grave slabs and some beautiful stained glass windows. Connections to the nearby castle and its de Vesci / Percy family owners and Northumberland title holders are manifold, including a stone effigy of Lady Isabella de Vesci, a side chapel dedicated to the the 7th Duke, the “Hotspur capital” pillar remembering famous knight Henry Percy, and even a former castle table which now serves as the church altar.