Skip to main content
SLIDESHOW

The Treasures of Alnwick Castle

A Secret Family Resemblance?

James Smithson and the First Duke of Northumberland

James Smithson (left), whose bequest founded the Smithsonian Institution, was the "illegitimate" son of Langdale Smithson of Langdale, Yorkshire — and the half-brother of Hugh Percy (right), the first Duke of Northumberland. 

Percy (1714–1786) was an English peer, landowner, and art patron. He was actually born Hugh Smithson, a "legitimate" son of Langdale Smithson. After Hugh married Lady Elizabeth Seymour, the Baroness Percy, he changed his name to Percy.

The Percy family has lived in Alnwich Castle for centuries.

 

We hope you enjoy our work.

Please support this magazine of trusted historical writing, now in its 75th year, and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to American Heritage.

Donate