Dundonald Castle

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Dundonald Castle

Dundonald Castle is located on a hill above the village of Dundonald ( Ayrshire ), between Kilmarnock and Troon in Scotland. The name means " fortress Donalds "; Historian of origin are not sure, but close to one of the kings of Strathclyde in the 10th century.

History

Early Temporal attachment

Scant archaeological finds point to a use of the hill as the castle grounds as early as the 5th century back. Built out of wood buildings of various sizes and in both round and rectangular shape are demonstrated, while a Murus Gallicus served as protection and limitation of the system. Around 1000 AD, a fire meant the end of the attachment. The fire destroyed the building, which thereby resulting heat must have been so great that were melted or glazed wall parts.

Around this date also ended the independence of the Kingdom of Strathclyde; it became part of the Kingdom of Scotland.

Medieval castles

Three different castles dating from the Middle Ages must be verified on the face of today's system:

The first fortification dates from the 12th century. It is Walter Fitzalan attributed to the first steward of the kings of Scotland, who came to Scotland in 1136. Of this castle, how to find the old fortifications only archaeological traces.

The second castle was built mainly of stone in the late 13th century by Alexander Stewart, 4th High Steward of Scotland and belonged in their construction of the largest non-royal systems. At the beginning of the 14th century, in the time of the Scottish Wars of Independence, it was almost completely destroyed to prevent foreign use by their owners - a common practice at that time, less strategically important buildings. From this plant are still a fountain as well as the foundations of a round tower to find in the northwest of the present castle.

The third castle

Dundonald Castle was built for King Robert II on the occasion of his accession in 1371. He and subsequently his son John (as Robert III. ) Used it as a royal residence. As a builder to Robert Stewart, later 1st Duke of Albany, and son of Robert II by his first marriage.

The castle is considered in its form as " fortified tower house" and was highly original three floors: The ground floor was a potentially divided storage space for food and drinks as well as for heating and fuel. The first floor contained the lower Laigh hall, which was used for public events, festivities and court sessions. The second floor was used with a towering stone arches provided great hall, whose private use was the king and his family reserved.

In the late 14th century the castle was enlarged. She received additional private rooms and a prison. Protected by a wall courtyard was completed along the wall ( barn, bakery, brewery and forging are called ) outbuildings erected. Also, a small church was built and dedicated to St. Inan (probably Ninian ) consecrated.

The castle today

The existing ruins today are the dilapidated remains of the third castle after it is no longer used from the mid-16th century. It belongs to the South Ayrshire Council, the attached visitor center is operated by The Friends of Dundonald Castle. The entire facility is open only in the summer months, an exhibition in the visitor center displays the history of the castle as well as the temporal evolution of models.

Legends

• In the region of Ayrshire, there is a popular legend, the origin of which is due to a tale from 1001 nights:

• A secret tunnel should lead Dundonald Castle for Seagate Castle in Irvine.