Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle is a castle located a few kilometers north-east of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

History

1380 the plant was first mentioned. William, Thane of Cawdor built a massive battle tower. From a shield wall or fighting around the castle from 1380 no sources have been preserved. Only from 1638 are back sources to find here the repair of the tower started with the old saloon and the northern wing. During the civil war just a few haystacks were set on fire by English soldiers Lord Montrose. Even during the bloody campaigns of Oliver Cromwell Cawdor Castle was exempt from the accommodation of soldiers and officers. This is the reason why the expensive interior is still preserved.

Construction

Cawdor Castle is built around a massive donjon. The Donjon is the oldest part of the castle. At the four corners of the tower smaller turrets are fitted with loopholes. A battlements and Machicolation ( pitch nose rows ) presented to the top safely defenses is, but in recent times they served more of ornament. In 1684 it was converted into a comfortable residence. The fifteenth Thane of Cawdor was building two more wings to accommodate more staff and his nine children. The windows were enlarged. This meant that Cawdor Castle lost the status of a defense system and finally became a castle. The interiors are clad with stucco and wood panels. On the stairs carpets were designed, decorated in green and blue. These colors are the colors in the tartan of the Clan Campbell.

The Legend

Cawdor Castle is closely connected with the tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. The castle was the Handlungsort to the tragedy and the death of Duncan. Another legend has it that the builder William, Thane of Cawdor was abandoned in a dream to load a mule with gold. Where this animal is now settled down to sleep, to be erected a castle. The animal rested on a hawthorn bush. William had built a tower to the hawthorn bush at this point. So far the legends.