Wemyss Castle

A Storied Past

Wemyss Castle, perched dramatically on sea cliffs between the villages of East Wemyss and West Wemyss in Fife, Scotland, has witnessed centuries of intrigue and historical events. Here are some highlights:

 

Construction and Ancient Seat: The castle’s construction dates back to 1421 when Sir John Wemyss decided to build a fortified stronghold to replace an earlier castle destroyed by the Duke of Rothesay. It has been the ancient seat of the Earls of Wemyss and their families ever since1.

Royal Encounters: In 1565, Mary, Queen of Scots, met her future husband, Lord Darnley, within the castle’s walls. Their union would have significant consequences for Scottish and British history. Additionally, the court of James VI stayed at Wemyss Castle in 15831.

Danish Commissioners and Scottish Lawyers: On a spring day in 1590, Danish commissioners led by Peder Munk and Scottish lawyer John Skene gathered at Wemyss Castle. Their mission? To view and take sasine (legal possession) of several royal properties, including Falkland Palace and Dunfermline Palace, gifted to Anne of Denmark by James VI as a "morning gift"1.

Intrigues and Plots: The castle also played host to intrigue. In 1591, King James had Lilias (or Sophia) Ruthven, daughter of the Earl of Gowrie, confined at Wemyss Castle to prevent her marriage to Ludovic Stewart, the Duke of Lennox. And in 1592, it sheltered Margaret Vinstarr, the queen’s Danish lady-in-waiting, whose partner had plotted against the king1.

The Green Lady: Like many Scottish castles, Wemyss is said to be haunted by a “Green Lady.” Folk beliefs associate green with misfortune, and wearing green at weddings was considered unlucky. Perhaps the castle’s spectral resident has witnessed these historical dramas firsthand1.

🌷 Wemyss Castle Gardens: A Symphony of Blooms

 

The castle’s six-acre walled garden, once redundant after World War II, has been lovingly restored by Charlotte Wemyss since 1993. Here’s what you’ll find:

 

Spring and Summer Flowers: The walled garden bursts with clematis, roses, and ornamental trees. Sweeping lawns, sculptural features, and fragrant blooms create a sensory journey. Visit from late April to July for the full floral symphony2.

Woodland Beauty: The beech woods surrounding Wemyss Castle host a stunning display of Erythronium Revolutum—a carpet of pale lilac flowers with marbled green leaves. Best seen from mid-April to May3.

Clematis Collection: The Walled Garden boasts an unofficial national collection of Montana clematis. Over 50 varieties thrive here. Late May to July is the prime time to explore this floral treasure2.

🗳️ Political Significance and Legacy

Wemyss Castle’s influence extends beyond its walls. The Wemyss family’s shifting allegiances—from Edward I of England to Robert the Bruce—reflect the tumultuous political landscape of medieval Scotland. Their connections, royal encounters, and strategic alliances have left an indelible mark on British and Scottish history45.

 

So there you have it—a glimpse into the captivating world of Wemyss Castle, where history, gardens, and intrigue intertwine. Feel free to explore more about this remarkable place! 🌹🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿✨

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

 

https://www.wemysscastlegardens.com/

 

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