Alnwick Castle in the period 1798–1814. The Abbot's Tower houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. An increase in public interest in the castle was generated by its use as a stand-in for the exterior and interior of Hogwarts in the "Harry Potter" films. Its appearance in the films has helped shape the public imagination regarding what castles should look like. Its condition contrasts with the vast majority of castles in the country, which are ruinous and unfit for habitation. The River Aln flows past the north side of the Castle. There is a deep ravine to the south and
Duke of Northumberland privilege. Their family vault is however nearly full, and a new private graveyard has been created in Hulne Park near Alnwick. <section end=residences/> The heir apparent is the present holder's elder son George Percy, Earl Percy (b. 1984) <section begin=FamilyTree /> <section end=FamilyTree /> Since at least the mid 18th century, the family has maintained a Northumbrian piper; the earliest known of these was Joseph Turnbull, who was painted in 1756 playing his pipes; the portrait, entitled "Joseph Turnbull, Piper to the Duchess of Northumberland" is at Alnwick Castle. At this time, before the Third Creation of the Dukedom, he