Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Glamis Castle

Where Scottish Majesty Meets Centuries of History 🌟

Greetings, fellow castle enthusiasts! Let’s step into the storied halls of Glamis Castle, a Highland gem that has witnessed drama, legends, and royal intrigue for over 700 years. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A Tapestry of Time: Glamis Castle’s Story

Medieval Origins and the Lyon Family

Early Roots: The area where Glamis Castle stands has been occupied since at least the 11th century. However, the castle itself traces its roots back to the 14th century when it became the residence of the Lyon family.

Earls of Strathmore: The Lyons later became the Earls of Strathmore, and Glamis Castle remained their ancestral seat.

Myths, Legends, and Shakespearean Inspiration

Macbeth Connection: Glamis Castle is said to have inspired the setting for Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth.” The eerie tales surrounding the castle add to its mystique.

King Malcolm II: Legend has it that Scottish King Malcolm II died at Glamis Castle in 1034.

Royal Connections and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother

Queen Mother’s Childhood Home: Glamis Castle was the childhood home of Elizabeth the Queen Mother (Queen Elizabeth’s mother).

Princess Margaret’s Birthplace: Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, was born here in 1930.

Architecture and Beauty

French Château Styling: In the 17th and 18th centuries, Glamis Castle underwent extensive renovations, taking on the trappings of a French château.

700 Years of History: Visitors can explore Duncan’s Hall, the Crypt, King Malcolm’s room, the Royal Apartments, and more. The castle’s mixture of 14th and 17th-century architecture is a feast for the eyes.

Visit Glamis Castle Today

Scenic Grounds: Wander the ornamental gardens and explore the surrounding countryside.

Public Access: While still the residence of the Earls of Strathmore, Glamis Castle opens its doors to the public at certain times of the year.

So, my friends, let’s raise our virtual goblets to Glamis Castle—a living legend etched in stone and memory.

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.glamis-castle.co.uk/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

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Monday, September 9, 2024

Elcho Castle

A Tower House Steeped in History

Elcho Castle, nestled near the south bank of the River Tay, about four miles southeast of Perth, Scotland, has a rich and storied past:

Construction and Ownership: Built around 1560, Elcho Castle was the brainchild of a member of the Wemyss family. These Wemysses traced their lineage back to the 12th century, and they maintained the castle until the early 20th century. Interestingly, Elcho served as their country retreat—a place where they could escape the hustle and bustle of court life and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside.

Architectural Uniqueness: Elcho Castle stands out architecturally. It’s a multi-storied tower house with an approximately Z-plan layout. Picture a large square tower at one corner, flanked by three other integrated towers on the north side. The castle’s exterior exudes martial strength, complete with gun holes for defence. Yet, step inside, and you’ll find comfort and lavish living. The first floor (the “noble floor”) boasts a main hall, south-facing windows, and a great bedchamber. The upper floors feature multiple smaller rooms and even a “guest wing” with its own latrines—an unusual touch for the time.

Guests and En Suite Accommodation: Elcho Castle was no ordinary fortress. It combined the best of both worlds: en suite guest accommodation akin to a mansion and a formidable defensive structure. Imagine noble guests enjoying the view from the walkway on top of the walls, while gun loops below kept watch. The castle’s turnpike staircase led to the first floor, where private receptions took place. And yes, there were even en suite latrines—a luxury in medieval times.

Inhabitants and Hauntings: Over the centuries, Elcho Castle hosted lords, ladies, and their retinues. But it’s not just the living who left their mark. Legend has it that a “White Lady” haunts the castle—a bogle (ghost) of a woman who met a fiery fate when her dress caught fire. Perhaps she still roams the halls, a silent witness to history.

Elcho Castle Gardens: A Natural Haven

Beyond its stone walls, Elcho Castle’s gardens beckon:

Orchard Revival: The castle’s orchard, once a retreat for the wealthy Wemyss family, has been lovingly replanted with traditional apple, pear, and plum varieties. Today, it’s not just fruit trees—it’s a haven for butterflies and wildlife, adding a touch of magic to the historic grounds.

Living Creatures: While humans no longer inhabit Elcho Castle, it remains home to other creatures. Pipistrelle bats, brown long-eared bats, barn owls, and grey squirrels find refuge within its ancient walls. The castle’s legacy extends beyond its stones, embracing the natural world around it.

Political Threads and Legacy

Elcho Castle’s influence reaches beyond its physical boundaries. From its construction during the Protestant Reformation to its role as a retreat for the Wemyss family, it reflects the shifting tides of Scottish and British politics. Lords and ladies walked its halls, and perhaps their conversations shaped the course of history. Elcho Castle stands as a testament to resilience, adaptation, and the intertwining of personal lives with broader events.

So there you have it—a glimpse into the fascinating world of Elcho Castle, where history, gardens, and politics converge. Feel free to explore more about this remarkable place!

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/elcho-castle-p248441

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Friday, September 6, 2024

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/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Braemar Castle

Where Legends Echo Across Centuries

Greetings, history enthusiasts and castle aficionados! Today, let’s step into the storied halls of Braemar Castle, a Highland gem that has witnessed centuries of drama, battles, and royal intrigue. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A Key to Scotland: Braemar Castle’s Significance

Strategic Origins and Royal Patronage

Ancient Roots: Braemar’s origins are rooted in antiquity. The area has been strategically important since early times, with hill passes converging where the modern village now stands.

Royal Connections: In the 10th century, King Kenneth Macalpin enjoyed sport here, and the rocky hill that forms the backdrop to the village bears his name—Kenneth’s Crag, Creag Choinnnich.

Kindrochit Castle and Clan Farquharson

Medieval Legacy: Kindrochit Castle, known to have been in regular use by Scottish kings until the 16th century, stood near the site of the original St. Andrews.

Jacobite Uprising: In 1715, the Earl of Mar raised the standard at Braemar Castle to start the Jacobite uprising, leaving an indelible mark on Scotland’s history.

English Visitors and Tourism Boom

Queen Victoria’s Arrival: Queen Victoria’s arrival on Deeside in 1848 brought an influx of English visitors, creating the new industry of tourism for the village.

Language Shift: Gaelic, once spoken by the inhabitants of Braemar, gave way to English as the village embraced new opportunities.

Restoration and Modern Heritage

Recent Restoration: The castle has undergone restoration, preserving its historical charm.

Annual Braemar Gathering: The tradition of competitive hill races, started by King Malcolm Canmore, lives on in the annual Braemar Gathering.

So, my friends, let’s raise our virtual goblets to Braemar Castle—a living legend etched in stone and memory.

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://braemarcastle.co.uk/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Stirling Castle

A Tapestry of Scottish History and Majesty

Greetings, fellow castle enthusiasts! Today, let’s step into the storied halls of Stirling Castle—a fortress that has witnessed centuries of drama, battles, and royal intrigue. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A Key to Scotland: Stirling Castle’s Significance

Strategic Dominance and Royal Stronghold

Location: Perched atop an ancient extinct volcano, Stirling Castle commands breathtaking views in every direction. Standing 250 feet (75 meters) higher than the surrounding terrain, it dominates major east–west and north–south routes.

Historical Role: From the time of Robert II until the union of Scotland and England in 1707, Stirling Castle was the principal royal stronghold of the Stuart kings. Whoever held Stirling, it was said, held the key to Scotland.

A Castle of Legends and Battles

Prehistoric Origins: There has been a fortress at Stirling since prehistoric times, but the first recorded mention of the castle dates to the 12th century.

Sieges and Attacks: Stirling Castle has seen its share of violence, having been attacked at least 16 times in its history. It withstood a brutal siege by Edward I of England in 1304 and another by Robert the Bruce during the Battle of Bannockburn.

Royal Drama: The 8th Earl of Douglas met a gruesome end here in 1452, invited to dinner and then stabbed to death by James II. Rebels against James VI seized the castle in 1584.

Architectural Splendour and Royal Connections

Great Hall: James IV built the awe-inspiring Great Hall around 1500. Daniel Defoe called it “the noblest I ever saw in Europe.”

Royal Palace: James V’s Renaissance-style royal palace was constructed in the 1540s. His daughter, Mary, was crowned queen of Scotland here when she was just nine months old.

Chapel Royal: Mary’s son, James VI (later James I of England), was baptized in the Chapel Royal, which he later rebuilt in 1594.

Restoration and Heritage

Recent Restoration: The Chapel Royal and the Great Hall were restored in the 1990s, and the entire royal palace underwent painstaking restoration from 2001 to 2011.

Legacy: Stirling Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s resilience, culture, and indomitable spirit.

So, my friends, let’s raise our virtual goblets to Stirling Castle—a living legend etched in stone and memory.

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

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

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Monday, September 2, 2024

Finlarig Castle

Let’s wander through the ancient halls of Finlarig Castle—a hidden gem perched on a peninsula between the River Lochay and Loch Tay, just over half a mile north of Killin in Stirling (formerly in Perthshire), Scotland.

A Tapestry of Time

The Oliphants and Clan Menzies

Early Origins: Finlarig Castle’s story begins in the 12th century, mentioned in a charter issued by King David I. The Siward family, with ties to Northumbria, held the castle initially.

Oliphant Legacy: For over two centuries, the Oliphants—their name synonymous with Finlarig—ruled these stones. They weathered wars, shifting allegiances, and political intrigue. In 1371, James Menzies married Barbara Stewart, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Atholl, sealing their love with a marriage stone above the entrance.

Jacobite Drama and Bonnie Prince Charlie

1745 Rising: During the Jacobite Rising of 1745, Finlarig Castle played its part. Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Stuart pretender, rested here on his way to the fateful Battle of Culloden. Imagine the whispers of clans rallying and destinies hanging in the Highland mist.

Duleep Singh and Exile

Maharajah’s Refuge: In the mid-19th century, Duleep Singh, the last maharajah of the Sikh Empire, sought solace within these walls. Exiled from the Punjab, he found refuge at Finlarig. A clash of cultures—the maharajah’s turbans against the Highland mist.

Visit Finlarig Castle Today

Time-Weathered Beauty: Wander through its chambers, where Renaissance elegance meets rugged strength. Admire the stonework, breathe in the Highland air, and feel the weight of history.

Whispers of Kings and Clans: Imagine the echoes—the courage of generations, the resilience of stone, and the legends that echo across Loch Tay.

So, my fellow time-travelers, let’s raise a virtual goblet to Finlarig Castle—a Highland saga etched in every stone. 🥂🔥

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/killin/finlarigcastle/index.html

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Castle Menzies: A Highland Legacy

Let’s wander through the ancient halls of Castle Menzies—a fortress that has stood sentinel in the heart of Scotland for centuries.

Castle Menzies: A Tapestry of Time

Origins and Noble Lineage

Castle Menzies, with its classic Z-shaped design, exudes both rugged strength and Renaissance elegance. Most of its stonework dates back to the 16th century, although hints of the 15th century linger in its shadows.

The castle proudly served as the ancestral seat of the Clan Menzies and the Menzies Baronets. Imagine the echoes of generations within these walls!

The Oliphants and Their Legacy

The Oliphants, a family steeped in Scottish lore, held sway over Castle Menzies for over two centuries. Their story intertwines with Scotland’s turbulent history—the Wars of Independence, shifting allegiances, and political intrigue.

In 1371, James Menzies immortalized his marriage to Barbara Stewart, daughter of the 3rd Earl of Atholl, with a marriage stone above the original entrance. Love and lineage etched in stone!

Jacobite Drama and Bonnie Prince Charlie

Castle Menzies played its part during the Jacobite Rising of 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Stuart pretender, rested here on his way to the fateful battle of Culloden.

The castle’s stones whispered secrets as clans rallied and destinies hung in the balance.

Duleep Singh and Exile

In the mid-19th century, Duleep Singh, the last maharajah of the Sikh Empire, sought refuge within these walls. Exiled from the Punjab, he found solace at Castle Menzies.

Imagine the clash of cultures—the maharajah’s turbans against the Highland mist.

Fire, Auctions, and New Beginnings

In 1878, flames licked the castle’s roof, threatening its ancient timbers. Brave locals fought the fire, preserving its legacy.

Auctions followed—the castle’s contents scattered, its papers sold. Yet Castle Menzies endured.

Visit Castle Menzies Today

Wander its chambers, admire the Renaissance details, and breathe in the Highland air.

Feel the weight of history—the whispers of kings, the courage of clans, and the resilience of stone.

So, my fellow time-travellers, let’s raise a virtual goblet to Castle Menzies—a Highland saga etched in every stone.

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.castlemenzies.org/visit/

https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1NTTk4vGyDXVvUWaZkYuTE6X1IA9p8A8&usp=sharing