New Celebrity Sightings

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, Harry’s first flight on his broomstick

Posted on 2008 under Movies TV

Harry Potter fans will remember the scene in the movie when he makes his first flight on a broomstick,from Howart’s lawn.Well for the film location they chose Alnwick Castle.

In fact the Castle was used for both these films

2002 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus

and

2001 - Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint; directed by Chris Columbus

You can see a picture of the Hogwart’s lawn, here, however if you would like to visit the castle then there is self catering accomodation available nearby.

Famous actors and actresses have visited the Castle over the last 50 years and the following films were shot there.

998 - Monk Dawson
Starring Martin Kemp and Rhona Mitra, directed by Tom Waller

1998 - Elizabeth
Starring Cate Blanchett, Geoffrey Rush, and Christopher Eccleston; a Working Title production

1991 - Robin Hood Prince of Thieves
Alan Rickman and Kevin Costner starred

1982 - Ivanhoe
James Mason and Anthony Andrews as costars

1979 - The Spaceman and King Arthur
Jim Dale and Kenneth More starred, production be Walt Disney

1971 - Mary Queen of Scots
Starring Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson, again produced by Hal Wallis

1964 - Becket
Starring Richard Burton and Peter O’Toole, and produced by Hal Wallis

Perhaps we should also say a little about the history of the Castle.

Just 30 years after the Battle of Hastings, Yves de Vescy laid the first foundations. The year was 1096. If it helps to put the age of this magnificent castle into perspective then remember that it was built about a generation before the birth of Ghengis Khan!

The Castle has a truly unique atmosphere. Part of this is probably attributable to its age but of course there is also the architecture and layout. The carved stone figures set randomly on top of the high walls give it a unique character and one can easily see why moviemakers favour the place.

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