Dunrobin Castle: A Stately Home with a Storied Past

Origins and Early Foundations

Dunrobin Castle’s roots dig deep into the Middle Ages. Here’s a glimpse of its fascinating journey:

1. Acquisition of the Lands: Before 1211, the lands of Sutherland were acquired by Hugh, Lord of Duffus—a descendant of the Flemish nobleman Freskin. The Earldom of Sutherland was officially created around 1235 for Hugh’s son, William. Legend whispers that this lineage might trace back to the House of Moray through the female line¹.
2. The Medieval Keep: The earliest incarnation of Dunrobin Castle was a square keep with walls over six feet thick. Unusually, each floor had stone vaulted ceilings instead of timber. Imagine knights in chainmail pacing these halls, their footsteps echoing through time.
3. Iron Yetts and Robert Sutherland: The oldest surviving portion of the castle, complete with an iron yett (a heavy gate), dates back to 1401. It’s believed that the castle’s name honors Robert Sutherland, the 6th Earl of Sutherland, who lived around that time. Norse and Gaelic mingled in the air, and the castle stood as a sentinel against tribal rivalries.

The Gordons and Shifting Fortunes

The castle’s fate intertwined with the Gordons, a powerful clan:

1. Bruce and the Gordons: Robert the Bruce, that indomitable Scottish king, planted the Gordons—loyal supporters of his claim to the crown—in Huntly, Aberdeenshire. They were rewarded with the Earldom of Huntly in 1445.
2. Marriage and Intrigue: In the 16th century, the Earldom of Sutherland passed to the Gordon family. Elizabeth, daughter of the 8th Earl of Sutherland, married Adam Gordon. But intrigue followed: a brieve (a legal writ) of idiocy challenged the rightful heir, and the Gordons seized control of the estate.
3. Alexander Sutherland’s Rebellion: In 1518, Alexander Sutherland—the legitimate heir—captured Dunrobin Castle in his quest for justice. The Gordons swiftly retaliated, recaptured the castle, and placed Alexander’s head on a spear atop the tower. A grim reminder of power struggles and shifting allegiances.

Sir Charles Barry’s Transformation

Fast-forward to the 19th century, when Sir Charles Barry—the same architect behind the Houses of Parliament in London—worked his magic:

1. Victorian Renaissance: Between 1835 and 1850, Barry transformed Dunrobin into a grand Scottish baronial masterpiece. He added turrets, wings, and landscaped gardens. The castle now boasts 189 rooms, each echoing with whispers of history.
2. The Dornoch Firth View: Perched one mile north of Golspie, Dunrobin gazes across the Dornoch Firth. Imagine standing on its terraces, the wind tugging at your hair, and the sea stretching toward the horizon.

Continuity and Visitors

Dunrobin Castle remains a testament to continuity:

1. Inhabited for Centuries: It’s one of Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited houses, dating back to the early 1300s. Earls and later, Dukes of Sutherland, have called it home.
2. Post-War Transformations: During World War I, Dunrobin served as a naval hospital. Later, from 1965 to 1972, it housed a boys’ boarding school—a different kind of adventure within its ancient walls.

Today: Open to the Public

Now, Dunrobin Castle welcomes visitors. Explore its opulent rooms, stroll through the gardens, and imagine the echoes of generations past. The views are breathtaking, the history palpable, and the spirit of the Highlands alive.

https://www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/