Situated in the historic former premises of the Duchess’s High School, the 48-room hotel overlooks the Barbican entrance to Alnwick Castle.
In the past, the hotel building has served many purposes.
In 1780 the first Duke of Northumberland acquired Derwentwater House (No. 2 Bailiffgate) from the Commissioners and Governors of Greenwich Hospital. The Duke demolished the original building and constructed Bailiffgate House for James Dormer, his Commissioner. It remained the home of the Estate Commissioners until the third Duke’s death in 1847.
In 1888, the property became home to the Duchess’s School, founded by Duchess Julia in 1808. Initially a private school, it gained official recognition as a County Secondary School in 1903 and continued to expand, with Bailiffgate House remaining a part of the school until 2016.
Bernard Bloodworth, general manager of Bailiffgate Hotel and a former pupil of Duchess High School, said: “This building has a long and diverse history, and we’d love to hear people’s memories from its past. We want to capture the building’s journey and celebrate its legacy to create something truly special for our guests.”
This project will be showcased in a social media series leading to the hotel’s grand opening in June 2025.
If you have a story or photograph you'd like to share, and are happy for it to be featured on Bailiffgate Hotel’s social media, please send it to [email protected]. If your story is selected, you'll be invited for an exclusive early-access tour of the hotel and a celebratory glass of fizz.
2. Duchess's High 1972
A 1972 class picture from Duchess's High School. Photo: Duchess's High School
