|
||
|
Dunnottar Castle | |
County |
Aberdeenshire | |
How to get there |
1 mile south of Stonehaven, off A92 | |
History
|
The castle is
built on a red sandstone stack projecting out into the North Sea. The narrow spine
of land that once joined the rock to the mainland was cut away to prevent access and only
a winding path leads to the castle's gatehouse. The first castle was built in the 12th century but little remains of this. In the 14th century William Keith, the Marischal of Scotland, built an L-plan tower house. The 50 foot rubble-built tower dominates the site and is well preserved, even though it has lost its roof. More buildings were added in the 16th century forming a quadrangular courtyard. The castle site is about 4 acres and this allowed a spacious setting for the domestic buildings. The strongly fortified gatehouse was also built in the 16th century. The castle was built mainly for comfort but was equipped with gun ports in case of attack. Despite its position and defences the castle was attacked and taken more than once. In 1297 William Wallace captured the castle and had the English garrison burnt alive in the castle's church. Edward III seized the castle in 1336 and held it for a several months. During the Civil War the castle was besieged first by the Royalists and then by Cromwell's troops. The longest siege was in 1651-1652 when Dunnottar was the last site in Scotland flying the Royalist flag. The crown jewels and other treasures had been deposited at the castle for safety. After eight months Cromwell's forces under General Overton brought in their heaviest artillery and the castle was forced to surrender. However, during the siege the Scottish Regalia had been secretly lowered down the cliff and taken off by a woman servant to be hidden under the floor of a church. Deprived of their prize the Parliamentarians took out their anger in plundering of the castle. In 1685 the castle was involved in an event of national importance. After Monmouth's and Argll's rebellion, 122 prisoners were crammed into a long, narrow chamber known as the Whig's Vault. The conditions were appalling and after two months many were dead. The castle continued to be used as a prison or garrison until the Jacobite rising in 1715. George, 10th Earl of Marischal who was committed to the cause was forced to forfeit the castle and his other possessions. Later in the 18th century the castle was acquired by the York Buildings Company who were notorious for their removal of ceilings and floors from abandoned property. |
|
|
|