Daring Employee 'Knights' Grab Invite to Hotel's 40th Celebrations

A curious incident has occurred at medieval castle hotel, Langley Castle, in Langley-on-Tyne near Hexham, Northumberland, where knights were spotted scaling the walls, in an attempt to breach the castle defences.

At least five knights were seen clambering up the 90-foot-high, seven-feet-thick castle walls, which have deterred attackers since 1350.  That is when Langley Castle was first built by one of King Edward III’s favourite knights – Sir Thomas de Lucy.

The knights in question were clearly wise to the fact that the castle is built on boulders – another deterrent built into its architectural plans, so as to deter enemies from tunnelling underneath to gain entry.  Back in the day, these were primarily the Scottish forces of David Bruce, marauding over the Anglo-Scottish border into Northumberland.

Luckily, the general manager at Langley Castle, Mohamed Serag, was able to stop the modern-day knights in their tracks and ask for their purpose in launching such a daring mission.

“It transpired,” he says, “that this all related to the forthcoming 40th anniversary celebrations of Langley Castle as a hotel and restaurant.  

“The knights were boldly making an attempt to grab an invitation to our official event on May 6, when the owners of Langley Castle, the Baron and Baroness of Langley, Dr Stuart and Dr Mariann Madnick, will be hosting a range of activities to mark our great landmark.”

At this point, it became apparent that loyal and dedicated staff were amongst their number, desperate not to miss out on being on the rota for the 40th anniversary event.  They once again proved their willingness to go the extra mile for the castle.

The employees involved included long-serving deputy manager, Bob Rutherford, who has worked at Langley Castle for 32 years.  He was  accompanied on the walls by wedding and events manager James Marchbank, housekeeper supervisor Clive Bessant, housekeeper Laura Whitehead, maintenance manager Adam Waugh, service staff Barbara Young, assistant food and beverage manager, Daniel Watson, groundsman, Steve Clemmit, food and beverage supervisor Hannah Geere and receptionist Kacey Farrier.

The 40th anniversary celebration will comprise everything from historic re-enactments and Northumbrian clog dancing to a champagne and canapé reception hosted by the Baron and Baroness and guided tours of the castle.  The Mayor of Hexham and the Hexham Town Crier, along with other influential guests and friends of Langley Castle will also be in attendance.

However, what the intrepid knights did not realise was that all long-serving employees at the hotel and restaurant will be presented with long-service awards and so will be in attendance anyway!

There will also be a recognition of 40 ‘community knights’, who work relentlessly to support good causes, tourism, local clubs and centres, and vital services within the Haydon Bridge, Hexham and Haltwhistle areas.

“We are flattered that this daring bunch of invading knights took on the challenge to try to grab an invitation. However, the moral of the tale is probably that the castle regards its loyal staff as one big Langley Castle family and would not think of celebrating without its long-serving employees,” says Mohamed Serag. 

“The effort made for great viewing, however, and we appreciate the help that Northern Outdoor provided to these plucky knights.”

Ends

Editors notes

Langley Castle, built in 1350, is located in Langley-on-Tyne, Northumberland and is one of the few authentic, fortified medieval castles in England. It has a rich history, with strong links to Jacobite rebellions, is located just a stone's throw from the World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall and boasts features including battlements, seven-feet-thick walls, window seats set into the walls and the best example of medieval garderobes in Europe. It is one of the most exquisite wedding venues in the north and also offers a wide range of options when it comes to exclusive use, with the castle being available for weddings, family celebrations, Bar Mitzvahs and Bat Mitzvahs, D&D-style events and a wide variety of corporate functions.