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Seven carved figures, some in combative poses, thought to have the power to avert evil influences or bad luck. They stand at various points on the battlements of the barbican and gatehouse of Alnwick Castle. All wear fanciful, eighteenth-century versions of medieval armour or classical attire. There are similar figures elsewhere on the battlements of the building but they are less easy to see from outside the Castle. The figures were installed by the 1st Duke of Northumberland as part of his wholesale refurbishment of the Castle in the Gothic style. These changes were made between 1750 and 1786 under the direction of James Paine and Robert Adam. The figures, which reportedly took stonemason James Johnson upwards of twenty years to complete, replaced earlier figures which had become decayed.
Title
Battlement Figures
Date
1750–1786
Medium
sandstone
Measurements
H 100 x W (?) x D (?) cm
Accession number
NE66_MA_S022
Acquisition method
commissioned by the 1st Duke of Northumberland
Work type
Statue
Owner
Northumberland Estates
Custodian
Northumberland Estates
Work status
extant
Listing status
Grade I (England and Wales)
Listing date
20/02/52
Access
not accessible
Access note
visible from outside the castle
