Harry Hotspur History

Who was Harry Hotspur?

The name Hotspur Gin came naturally to us as our offices are a stone’s throw from Alnwick Castle - the home of the legendary knight, Sir Henry Percy, or Hotspur as he was known. 

Sir Henry Percy’s nickname Hotspur, or ‘heeatspore’ was given by his enemy, the Scots. It was given to him as he was a fearless leader and was always first in and last out when fighting with the enemy. He was so fierce that it was perceived that his spurs were always on fire as he led his men into battle.  

Not many people or fans realise that the ‘Hotpsur’ in Tottenham Hotpsur came from Harry Hotspur at Alnwick Castle. The link is from a battle victory. In 1402 Hotspur inflicted a crushing defeat on a Scot’s army under the new Earl of Douglas at Homildon Hill outside Wooler here in Northumberland. For this victory he was awarded the borough of Tottenham in London by the King.  

On the 5th of September in 1882 when looking for a name for their new football club, the team, led by Bobby Buckle, selected the name Hotspur due to the historic link and because it tied in with their vision for the club - fearless and skill full on the pitch. 

The Hotspur Emporium (Our home & shop in the centre of Alnwick ) is the home of the Official Supporters Club - Alnwick Spurs.

If you would like to sample Hotspur Gin or talk about Spurs, please call in and see us. A warm welcome awaits!