Castles began to become popular around 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded England. By 1100 there were over 500 castles, including Alnwick Castle. “Alnwick Castle was built in 1096 on the summit of the south bank of the Aln, on a plateau of 5 acres of land, surrounded by strong fortifications, defended by sixteen towers, and divided into two large courtyards, with the keep in the middle” (Alnwick Medieval). Located in Northumberland, England and built by Yves de Vescy, then Baron of Alnwick, it is historically important because "it is the second largest inhabited castle in England and was home to the family of the Duke of Northumberland, the Percy for 700 years. of drama, intrigue, tragedy and romance” (Castle History). Alnwick Castle shows how much it has changed since then, based on its history, the usefulness of castles at the time, its contribution and its current use in Northumberland, England. The first inhabitant of Alnwick Castle was Yves de Vescy, then Baron of Alnwick. “He is said to have died at least a year before the first written record of building in 1134” (Alnwick Haunted). After his death, he passed Alnwick on to his only heir and daughter, Beatrix. Beatrix married Eustace Fitzjohn. He was given the title of Baron of Alnwick and received the rights to the castle as well as its possessions. He ceded the castle to King David I of Scotland in 1138. After the Battle of the Standard, Eustace regained the rights to Alnwick and subsequently continued to enlarge and improve the castle. When Eustace died in 1157, he was succeeded by his son, William. him as Baron Alnwick and took the name of de Vescy. William de Vescy died in 1184, and the cast...... middle of paper ......ed "Alnwick Castle". Haunted castles and hotels. Internet. September 13, 2011. “Alnwick Castle. » Medieval castles. Internet. 13 September 2011. “Alnwick Castle – A bit of history and photographs.” " Hint. Internet. 13 September 2011. “Castle History – Alnwick Castle – The Percy Family, Earls and Dukes of Northumberland.” » Welcome to Alnwick Castle – Where history lives. Internet. October 2, 2011. .Hind, Kathryn. Life in the Middle Ages. New York: Benchmark, 2001. Print Montgomery-Massingberd, Hugh and Christopher Simon Sykes. Great Houses of England and Wales. London: Laurence King, 2000. Print. Welcome to Alnwick Castle – Where history lives. Internet. 05 Nov.. 2011. .