There is no written evidence of Alnwick until 1093, when the Scottish King Malcolm III was ambushed and killed here.
Legend has it that he was besieging Alnwick Castle, but there is no record of the castle being in existence at this time.
The place of his death was marked with a medieval cross of which some fragments remain. The present cross was erected in 1774. The following inscription is on the later cross.
Malcom III besieging Alnwick Castle was slain here Nov XIII an MXCIII
K Malcolm’s Cross decayed by time was restored by his descendant Eliz. Duchess of Northumberland MDCCLXXIV
Near to St Leonard’s Hospital is Malcolm’s Well which is believed to be where the king’s body was brought after his death.