Saturday, September 21, 2024

Morton Castle: A Brief Overview

Location: Morton Castle is situated by an artificial loch, its reflection shimmering against the rugged landscape. You’ll find it about 2.5 miles (4 km) north-east of Thornhill, overlooking the strategically important Nith Valley—a corridor that runs from the Solway Firth to the Clyde Valley1.

Construction Date: The exact date of Morton Castle’s construction remains a topic of scholarly debate. Some say it emerged in the 14th century, while others argue for the 15th century. Either way, it’s a bit like a historical mystery wrapped in stone!

Inhabitants through the Ages

Dunegal, Lord of Strathnith (12th Century):

The honor of Morton was once held by Dunegal, who likely had a stronghold here. A ditch near the castle might date back to this period.

Fun fact: Dunegal sounds like the name of a wizard who specialized in castle-building spells, doesn’t it?

Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray (13th-14th Century):

During the reign of Robert the Bruce, Morton’s lands were in the capable hands of Thomas Randolph. He probably oversaw the initial castle construction.

Randolph also had an enclosed deer park nearby. Because nothing says “medieval luxury” like having your own deer playground.

James Douglas of Dalkeith, Earl of Morton (15th Century):

James II of Scotland granted the lands to James Douglas, who later became the Earl of Morton.

Yes, I know—it’s confusing that the earldom is named after another Morton in Lothian. But hey, history isn’t always straightforward!

The Maxwells and the Fiery Expedition (16th Century):

The fourth Earl of Morton faced execution in 1580 due to his alleged involvement in Lord Darnley’s murder. Morton Castle briefly passed to John Maxwell, 7th Lord Maxwell.

Then, in 1588, James VI led an expedition against the Catholic Maxwells. The castle was taken, burned, and eventually returned to the Earls of Morton.

William Douglas of Coshogle and Drumlanrig (17th Century):

Morton Castle changed hands a few more times. William Douglas of Coshogle bought it in 1608, and later, William Douglas of Drumlanrig (who would become the first Earl of Queensberry) took ownership.

Imagine the real estate negotiations: “I’ll trade you two castles and a moat for that prime hillside property!”

The Decline and Restoration (18th Century Onward):

By the 18th century, Morton Castle served as a hunting lodge rather than a dwelling.

A dam was built to create the artificial loch, adding to its picturesque charm.

Stone pilfering was all the rage until the 1890s, when some repairs were finally carried out.

Today, it’s lovingly cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Significance in Scottish and English History

Morton Castle witnessed political intrigue, religious conflicts, and power struggles. It stood as a silent witness to the tussle between monarchy, church, and parliament.

Its triangular plan and twin gatehouses bear architectural resemblance to Caerlaverock Castle, another Scottish gem.

Plus, it’s one of the few surviving hall-houses—a complex rarity that combines residential and defensive features.

So, next time you’re in Dumfries and Galloway, consider a visit to Morton Castle. Explore its nooks, imagine medieval banquets, and perhaps even channel your inner Dunegal.

Feel free to share this post with your fellow history enthusiasts! 📜✨

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/thornhill/mortoncastle/index.html

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

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Thursday, September 19, 2024

Cruggleton Castle

Greetings, fellow history enthusiasts! Let’s venture into the rugged past and explore the enigmatic Cruggleton Castle—a coastal stronghold perched on the cliffs of the Machars in south-west Scotland.

A Glimpse into Cruggleton’s Past

Medieval Origins and the Lords of Galloway

Ancient Grounds: Cruggleton Castle stands as a multi-period archaeological site, its roots reaching back over 700 years. It graces Cruggleton Point, about 4.5 kilometres east of Whithorn and 6 kilometres southeast of Sorbie.

Iron Age to Medieval: Excavations have unveiled layers of history—from an Iron Age hut circle to a timber hall from the early medieval period. But it’s the stone tower that captures our imagination.

The Tower Rises: Lords, Kings, and Legends

13th Century Beginnings: In the 13th century, the rocky outcrop was raised to form a motte, and a timber tower took shape. Cruggleton Castle likely served as a seat of the Lords of Galloway, passing later to the Earls of Buchan.

Edward I’s License: In the 1290s, John Comyn, Earl of Buchan, secured Edward I’s license to dig for lead in the Calf of Man—a resource to cover eight towers of Cruggleton Castle.

William Wallace’s Connection: Legend intertwines Cruggleton with the stronghold on the Water of Cree that William Wallace captured, alongside Stephen of Ireland and Kerlé, according to Blind Harry.

Royal Visits and the Reformation

Queen Elizabeth’s Spies: In 1563, Queen Elizabeth I’s spies scouted Cruggleton and noted its defences. Their coloured drawing, now held by the British Museum, reveals a high tower, a curtain wall with sloped merlons, and defences like drawbridges and portcullises.

Disputes and Distribution: After the Reformation, disputes arose over Cruggleton Castle. Lord Robert Stewart, Commendator of Whithorn Priory, clashed with John Fleming, 5th Lord Fleming. The castle’s fate hung in the balance.

Visit the Echoes of History

🌊 Cliffside Views: Stand where centuries whispered secrets—40 meters above sea level, overlooking the crashing waves.

🏰 Ruined Majesty: While the castle is now a ruin, its legacy endures—a testament to Scotland’s resilience and the echoes of kings and legends.

So, my friends, let’s raise our virtual goblets to Cruggleton Castle—a sentinel on the edge of time. 🥂👑

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://scottishcastlesassociation.com/news/news-features/cruggleton-castle-wigtownshire.htm

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

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Caerlaverock Castle

Where Legends and Stone Walls Converge

Greetings, fellow history enthusiasts! Let me take you on a journey to the triangular fortress that is Caerlaverock Castle, nestled in the Dumfries countryside like a sentinel from ages past. 🌿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

A Unique Shape and Storied Walls

Caerlaverock’s triangular silhouette sets it apart among British castles. As you walk its grounds, you’ll feel the strength of its stone walls, the elegance of its geometry, and the echoes of centuries.

Imagine three curtain walls converging at sharp angles, each linked by imposing corner towers. On the north side stands a twin-towered gatehouse—the Maxwells’ private domain.

Speaking of the Maxwells, they were the castle’s custodians for centuries. They repaired, upgraded, and left their mark on Caerlaverock.

Two Unforgettable Sieges

Edward I’s Siege (1300):

Picture July 1300: Edward I of England himself leading the charge. The small garrison within Caerlaverock faced the full might of the English king’s army.

Within two days, they surrendered. But the contemporary account of this siege is riveting—a tale etched into the annals of British castle history.

The Covenanters’ Siege (1640):

Fast-forward to 1640. Lord Maxwell’s loyalty to Charles I during his struggles with the Covenanters led to Caerlaverock’s last stand.

The garrison held out for 13 weeks before surrendering. The castle was stripped of valuables, and its south curtain wall demolished—forever ending its role as a defensive stronghold.

Natural Beauty and Historical Protection

Caerlaverock’s grounds, adjacent to the Caerlaverock Nature Reserve, harbor rare animals and plants. Fifteen habitats thrive here, including ancient woodland, swamp, and unimproved grassland.

These surviving ecosystems are a testament to Caerlaverock’s dual role: defender of realm and protector of nature.

Location: Castle Road End, Dumfries, DG1 4RU 📞 Phone: 01387 770244 ⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:30 - 17:0012

Uncover the turbulent history of Caerlaverock Castle—a saga of sieges, loyalty, and enduring stone.

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/venue-hire/weddings/find-a-venue/caerlaverock-castle/

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

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

Mingary Castle

Mingary Castle: Legends Across Centuries

Greetings, fellow history enthusiasts! Let’s set sail to the rugged shores of Ardnamurchan, Scotland, where Mingary Castle stands as a sentinel against time and tides. 🌊

Origins and Mystery: A Fortress in Flux

The history of Mingary Castle is a tapestry woven with threads of conjecture and intrigue. Its curtain walls, weathered by centuries, evoke both awe and curiosity.

Scholars debate its birth—was it the 13th century or perhaps the 14th? The MacDougalls and the MacDonalds of Ardnamurchan (also known as the MacIains) are the contenders for its original builders.

Picture this: Viking longships prowling the Sound of Mull, seeking sheltered harbors. Mingary’s dominant position made it a strategic base for these “Sea Kings,” who were part overlord, part privateer.

Timber Palisades and Stone Walls

Before the stone curtain wall, there likely stood a robust timber palisade. Archaeological whispers from nearby Castle Tioram hint at its ancient past, dating back to the 7th century.

Somerled, that enigmatic Regulus and progenitor of the MacDonalds, may have erected early defenses here. The power vacuum after the deaths of David I of Scotland and Olaf of Mann in 1153 allowed Somerled to seize the moment.

But it wasn’t until the 13th century that Mingary’s stone castle took shape. The methodical construction—with internal galleries and elegant Gothic windows—speaks of a more stable era.

Clan Battles and Uncertainty

The Western Isles danced between Norse Overlords and Scottish ambitions. The Battle of Largs in 1263 and the treaty of Perth in 1266 marked a turning point.

Angus Mor MacDonald, Lord of the Isles, swore fidelity to Alexander III, securing his territories. But the intervening thirty years of uncertainty may have nudged Mingary toward permanence.

Was it Angus Og, son of Angus Mor, who raised these walls? He fought alongside Robert the Bruce at Bannockburn, and the Bruce rewarded him with extensive lands, including Ardnamurchan.

James IV and Clan Donald

Fast-forward to the late 15th century. King James IV of Scotland used Mingary as a stronghold against Clan Donald. The castle’s stones absorbed the echoes of defiance and conflict.

Location: Mingary House, Acharacle PH36 4LH 📞 Phone: 01972 614380 ⏰ Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 18:30 - 20:3012

Have you ever stood on Mingary’s battlements, imagining the sea winds whispering tales of old? Share your castle musings below! 🗝️📜

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://mingarycastle.co.uk/

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Eilean Donan Castle: Where Legends Echo Across Centuries

Greetings, fellow history enthusiasts! Let’s embark on a journey to the rugged shores of Scotland, where Eilean Donan Castle stands as a sentinel against time and tides.

The Origins: A Saint and Viking Threats

The name “Eilean Donan” likely honors the 6th-century Irish Saint Bishop Donan, who settled in Scotland around 580 AD. His legacy lives on in several churches dedicated to him in the area.

But it wasn’t until the early 13th century that the first fortified structure emerged on this island. Why? To fend off those pesky Vikings! These seafaring raiders had a penchant for settling and controlling vast stretches of northern Scotland and the Western Isles.

The Viking Shield: Eilean Donan’s Defensive Role

Picture this: The mid-13th century, a time when the sea was the main highway, and clan chiefs measured their power by the number of men and galleys at their disposal.

Eilean Donan offered the perfect defensive position. Its curtain wall, towers, and keep formed a formidable shield against Viking longships and marauders.

The castle expanded and contracted over the centuries, like a living organism adapting to its environment. At its peak, the medieval castle enveloped nearly the entire island.

Clan Macrae and Feuds

Moving forward, let’s talk about Clan Macrae—the guardians of Eilean Donan. They made this castle their stronghold, and their history is woven into its very stones.

The Macraes clashed with rival clans, their swords singing tales of honor, loyalty, and fierce battles. Eilean Donan witnessed it all—the clang of steel, the cries of victory, and the weight of responsibility.

󠁧Jacobite Tumults and Destruction

Fast-forward to the 17th and 18th centuries—the Jacobite risings. Eilean Donan found itself entangled in political turmoil.

In 1719, Spanish soldiers (yes, you read that right!) garrisoned the castle, supporting the Jacobite cause. But the English government wasn’t having it. Three frigates bombarded the castle for three days, yet its walls held strong.

Captain Herdman’s men stormed ashore, overwhelmed the defenders, and discovered a hidden magazine of 343 barrels of gunpowder. Boom! What remained was blown to smithereens.

Resurrection and Glory

For nearly two centuries, Eilean Donan lay neglected, a haunting silhouette against the Scottish sky. But fear not!

In 1911, Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap stepped in. With his trusty Clerk of Works, Farquar Macrae (yes, more Macraes!), they embarked on a mission: restoration.

Stone by stone, they rebuilt Eilean Donan, honoring its ancient ground plan. And in July 1932, the castle stood proud once more—a phoenix reborn from the ashes.

Location: Dornie, Kyle Of Lochalsh IV40 8DX 📞 Phone: 01599 555202 ⏰ Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 - 16:00

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.eileandonancastle.com/

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

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Dunstaffnage Castle: A Tale of Stone and Struggle

The captivating history of Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel, nestled in the rugged beauty of Argyll, Scotland.

1. Origins and Construction:

Dunstaffnage Castle, one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles, stands as a formidable mass of masonry guarding the seaward approach from the Firth of Lorn to the Pass of Brander.
It was likely built before 1240 by Duncan MacDougall, son of Dubhgall (Lord of Lorn) and grandson of the legendary Somerled, self-proclaimed ‘King of the Isles.’
These tumultuous times saw a fierce struggle between the Kingdom of Scotland and Norway for control of the Hebrides.

2. Wars and Sieges:

During the Wars of Independence (1296–1356), Dunstaffnage witnessed significant action. Robert the Bruce himself besieged the castle around 1308 after defeating the MacDougalls at the Pass of Brander.
The castle remained a royal stronghold until the 1460s when it passed into the hands of the Campbell earls of Argyll.

3. MacDougall Legacy:

Somerled, the MacDougall chief, founded Dunstaffnage’s predecessor, Ardchattan Priory, just six miles east of the castle.
Duncan MacDougall, likely responsible for Dunstaffnage’s construction, added a daunting curtain wall of stone and three projecting round towers to assert his power and enhance defences.

4. Flora MacDonald’s Imprisonment:

In 1746, Dunstaffnage hosted a remarkable guest—Flora MacDonald. She had aided Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) in his escape after the Battle of Culloden.
Flora disguised the prince as her serving girl, ‘Betty Burke,’ and helped him cross to Skye. However, she was arrested and briefly held at Dunstaffnage before being transferred to the Tower of London.

5. Natural Beauty and Bats:

Beyond its historical significance, Dunstaffnage Castle and its surrounding broadleaved woodland are home to pipistrelle bats—a rare species in the west of Scotland.

Location: Dunbeg, By Oban, Argyll, PA37 1PZ Phone: 01631 562 465

Have you ever visited a castle with such a storied history? Share your thoughts below!

️

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

https://www.visitscotland.com/info/see-do/dunstaffnage-castle-and-chapel-p248581

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

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

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/

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