Tantallon Castle

The fascinating history of Tantallon Castle, perched dramatically on a promontory overlooking the Firth of Forth. 🏰

🌟 Tantallon Castle: A Brief Overview

Tantallon Castle, near North Berwick in East Lothian, Scotland, stands as a testament to medieval power and resilience. Here’s a glimpse into its storied past:

William Douglas and the Mighty Fortress:

In the mid-1300s, William Douglas, a nobleman, constructed Tantallon Castle at the height of his influence.

William inherited the estates of his father, Sir Archibald Douglas, and his uncle, the renowned ‘Good Sir James Douglas’ (a close friend of Robert the Bruce).

These lands included the barony of North Berwick, and it’s likely that construction began during this time.

William was later made Earl of Douglas in 1358.

The Red Douglases:

The House of Douglas split into two branches in the 1380s: the ‘Black Douglases’ and the ‘Red Douglases.’

Tantallon passed to the junior line—the earls of Angus, also known as the ‘Red Douglases.’

For the next 300 years, they owned the castle, often clashing with the Crown.

Sieges and Struggles:

Tantallon faced several sieges:

James IV besieged it in 1491.

James V did the same in 1528.

The most devastating attack came during Oliver Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland in 1651. His army caused such destruction that the medieval fortress was abandoned afterward.

Unique Architecture:

Like the robust stone castles of the 1200s, Tantallon boasted:

An enormously thick and high stone curtain wall enclosing a large courtyard.

Tall stone towers serving as living quarters for nobles.

What sets Tantallon apart is its stunning coastal location—the curtain wall once enclosed the entire site, but the seaward side has since fallen down.

Defenses and Warfare:

Tantallon was built before the age of gunpowder artillery.

Its thick walls defended against:

Trebuchets (stone-throwing machines).

Battering rams.

Bows and arrows.

The curtain wall had almost no openings, concentrating defense on the battlements. 

A wide, deep ditch protected the landward side.

Later owners adapted by adding gun holes and external defenses.

 

Cromwell’s Impact:

Despite efforts, Cromwell’s heavy guns severely damaged Tantallon in 1651.

The end towers suffered greatly, and the castle’s decline began.

Archaeology at Tantallon:

Historic Scotland excavated parts of the site in 2013 and 2014.

They uncovered early buildings in the outer ward and evidence of hastily erected ravelins.

🔍 If you’re ever in the area, consider visiting Tantallon Castle. Its rugged beauty and rich history make it a must-see! 📸✨

📍 Location: Near North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 5PN 📞 Phone: 01620 892727 ⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:30 - 16:3012

Feel free to share this post with your friends—it’s a piece of Scottish history that deserves to be celebrated! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/tantallon-castle/

 

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