The Castle of Mey: A Journey Through Time

Nestled on the northern coast of Scotland, the Castle of Mey stands as a testament to centuries of history, architectural evolution, and royal patronage. This blog post delves into the rich history of the castle, its notable residents, and its transformation over the years.

 

Early History and Construction

The Castle of Mey, originally known as Barrogill Castle, was constructed between 1566 and 1572 by George Sinclair, the 4th Earl of Caithness. The castle was built on lands that once belonged to the Bishops of Caithness and was designed as a Z-plan tower house, featuring a dominating tower and a series of tall ranges creating a three-sided courtyard open to the north and the sea.

 

The Sinclair Family

The castle’s early history is marked by the turbulent and often violent lives of the Sinclair family. George Sinclair built the castle for his second son, William Sinclair. However, William was murdered by his older brother John in 1573, leading to a series of tragic events within the family1. The castle eventually became the seat of the Earls of Caithness and underwent several extensions and renovations over the centuries.

 

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the castle was expanded, and in 1821, it saw significant Tudor Gothic style alterations designed by the architect William Burn2. The castle remained in the Sinclair family until 1889, when it passed to F. G. Heathcote (Sinclair) upon the death of George Sinclair, the 15th Earl of Caithness.

 

Transition to Royal Ownership

In 1929, Captain Frederic Bouhier Imbert-Terry purchased the castle, which was later used as an officers’ rest home during World War II2. By the early 1950s, the castle had fallen into a semi-derelict state. It was in this condition that it caught the eye of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1952. Despite its poor state, she purchased the castle and embarked on an extensive restoration project.

 

Restoration and Royal Residence

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother restored the castle to its former glory, reinstating its original name, the Castle of Mey1. She spent considerable time and resources making the castle habitable, including installing electricity and water for the first time. The restoration work continued until 1960, transforming the castle into a beloved royal residence.

 

The Queen Mother spent three weeks in August and ten days in October at the castle each year, from 1955 until her death in 2002. Her dedication to the castle ensured its preservation and continued use as a royal retreat.

 

The Castle of Mey Trust

Following the Queen Mother’s death, the Castle of Mey was entrusted to the Castle of Mey Trust, established to maintain and preserve the property for future generations. The trust has continued the tradition of opening the gardens to the public and promoting the castle as a tourist attraction.

 

A Royal Visitor

Before his accession as King Charles III, Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, showed great commitment to the Castle of Mey Trust’s objectives. He has been a regular visitor since a young age and has played a significant role in supporting the trust’s activities.

 

Conclusion

The Castle of Mey stands as a symbol of resilience and royal heritage. From its origins in the 16th century to its restoration by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, the castle’s history is a fascinating journey through time. Today, it continues to captivate visitors with its rich history, stunning architecture, and royal connections.

 

Have you ever visited the Castle of Mey or any other historic castles? Share your experiences in the comments below!

 

https://www.castleofmey.org.uk/

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