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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
