Eilean Donan
Scottish Gaelic name | Eilean Donnain |
---|---|
Meaning of name | Island of Donnán |
Eilean Donan Castle | |
Location | |
OS grid reference | NG880260 |
Coordinates | 57°16′26.50″N 05°30′58″W / 57.2740278°N 5.51611°W |
Physical geography | |
Island group | Loch Duich |
Highest elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
Administration | |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Country | Scotland |
Council area | Highland |
Demographics | |
Population | 0[1] |
Eilean Donan (
Eilean Donan is part of the
Eilean Donan, which means simply "island of Donnán", is named after
History
It is possible that an early Christian monastic cell was founded on the island in the 6th or 7th century, and that it was dedicated to Donnán of Eigg, an Irish saint who was martyred on Eigg in April 617. No remains of any Christian buildings survive, though fragments of vitrified stone (stone that has been subjected to very high temperatures) have been discovered, indicating that there was an Iron Age or early medieval fortification on the island.[5][6]
Origins of the castle
In the earlier thirteenth century, during the reign of Alexander II (ruled 1214–1249), a large curtain-wall castle (wall of enceinte) was constructed; it enclosed much of the island.[2] At this time, the area around the island was at the boundary of the Norse-Celtic Lordship of the Isles and the Earldom of Ross: Eilean Donan provided a strong defensive position against Norse expeditions.[7] A founding legend has it that the son of a chief of the Mathesons acquired the power to communicate with birds; as a result of this power, and after many adventures overseas, he gained wealth, power, and the respect of Alexander II, who asked him to build the castle to defend his realm.[8]
At a later date, the island became a stronghold of the
The Mackenzie clan histories also claim (with little, if any, supporting contemporary evidence), that
Clan feuding
In 1539, Donald Gorm
MacGillechriosd's son Christopher Macrae became constable of Eilean Donan in turn, and held the castle during yet another clan feud, this time between the Mackenzies and the MacDonalds of Glengarry.[27] Feuding broke out in 1580 and continued for almost 25 years. In around 1602 Eilean Donan was the base for a sea skirmish at the narrows of Kyle Rhea led by Christopher's son Duncan. During the action the MacDonalds were driven on to the Cailleach Rock at the eastern tip of Skye and Angus, son of MacDonald of Glengarry, was killed.[28] Christopher was succeeded as constable by the Rev. Murdoch Murchison, minister of Kintail.[29]
17th century
In the civil wars of the mid 17th century, the Earl of Seaforth sided with Charles I. In 1650, after the king's execution, the Parliament of Scotland ordered a garrison to Eilean Donan. The local people did not welcome the garrison. When a party of 30 soldiers came out from the castle to request provisions from the local people, a band of 10 men who opposed their demands met the occupiers. An argument broke out, which led to the garrison men being driven off with several casualties. Shortly thereafter the garrison departed.[33] The following year the Earl's brother, Simon Mackenzie of Lochslin, gathered troops for the royalist cause around Eilean Donan. For reasons unrecorded, he fell out with Farquhar Macrae and demanded his removal from the castle. Farquhar initially resisted, and despite interventions by the young Kenneth, had to be marched out by Lochslin and George Mackenzie (later Earl of Cromartie). He was finally persuaded to leave without violence, stating that he was too old to dwell in the cold castle.[34] Farquhar was thus the last constable to dwell in Eilean Donan until its reconstruction, although he retained the ministry of Kintail until his death in 1662, at the age of 82.[35]
After this time, the castle was briefly occupied by the Earl of Balcarres and his wife,[36] who were in the Highlands in support of the Earl of Glencairn's royalist uprising, although Balcarres later disagreed with Glencairn and departed.[37] In June 1654 General Monck, Oliver Cromwell's military governor in Scotland, marched through Kintail while suppressing the uprising. His troops destroyed much property, and stole 360 of Farquhar Macrae's cattle, though only one man was killed.[38]
Jacobite rising and destruction of the castle
In 1689,
A major Jacobite uprising took place in 1715. Led by the Earl of Mar, it was an attempt to restore the exiled James Stuart, the "Old Pretender", to the throne. William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth, joined the Jacobite army, leading out men of the Clan Mackenzie and Clan Macrae. The Macraes mustered at Eilean Donan, and are said to have danced on the roof of the castle before setting out to the Battle of Sheriffmuir where 58 Macraes were among the Jacobite dead. The battle was indecisive and the rising collapsed soon after.
Following the failure of the rising of 1715, the Jacobites found new support from Spain, now opposing both Britain and France in the War of the Quadruple Alliance. The Duke of Ormonde led the main invasion fleet from Spain, while an advance party of 300 Spanish soldiers under George Keith, 10th Earl Marischal, arrived in Loch Duich in April 1719, and occupied Eilean Donan Castle. The expected uprising of Highlanders did not occur, and the main Spanish invasion force never arrived. At the beginning of May, the Royal Navy sent ships to the area. Early in the morning on Sunday 10 May 1719 HMS Worcester, HMS Flamborough and HMS Enterprise anchored off Eilean Donan and sent a boat ashore under a flag of truce to negotiate. When the Spanish soldiers in the castle fired at the boat, it was recalled and all three frigates opened fire on the castle for an hour or more.[40] The next day the bombardment continued while a landing party was prepared. In the evening under the cover of an intense cannonade, a detachment went ashore in the ships' boats and captured the castle against little resistance. According to Worcester's log, in the castle were "an Irishman, a captain, a Spanish lieutenant, a serjeant, one Scottish rebel and 39 Spanish soldiers, 343 barrels of powder and 52 barrels of musquet shot."[41] The naval force spent the next two days in the castle and landed 27 barrels of gunpowder. The frigates' official logs are curiously worded, perhaps to conceal the reputed fact that the Macraes succeeded in destroying the castle although in naval hands, in order to prevent the English from garrisoning it: at all events, the castle was demolished by the gunpowder exploding.[42] Flamborough then took the Spanish prisoners to Edinburgh.[43] The remaining Spanish troops were defeated on 10 June at the Battle of Glen Shiel.[44]
Restoration and reuse
Between 1919 and 1932, the castle was rebuilt by Lt. Col. John MacRae-Gilstrap. The restoration included the construction of an arched bridge to give easier access to the island. Macrae-Gilstrap also established a war memorial dedicated to the men of the MacRae clan who died in the First World War. The memorial is adorned with lines from John McCrae's poem "In Flanders Fields", and is flanked by grey field guns from the war. Eilean Donan was opened to the public in 1955,[45] and has since become a popular attraction: over 314,000 people visited in 2009, making it the third-most-visited castle in Scotland.[46] In 1983 ownership of the castle was transferred to the Conchra Charitable Trust, established by the Macrae family to maintain and restore the castle,[47] and a purpose-built visitor centre was opened on the landward side of the bridge in 1998.[48]
The castle is regularly described as one of the most photographed monuments in Scotland,
Architectural development
Eilean Donan Castle went through several phases of development from the earliest fortifications of the 13th century through to its destruction in 1719, and the subsequent reconstruction in the 20th century. The first phase comprised a curtain wall enclosing much of the island with a tower house added in the 14th century. In the 14th or 15th century the outer wall was abandoned and a smaller enclosure built around the tower house. More development within this courtyard took place in the 16th century, as well as the addition of defences on the eastern side. The castle was almost totally destroyed in 1719, after which almost 200 years passed before reconstruction began. Although some archaeological evidence has been recovered from the island, much material was lost during the reconstruction works making it difficult to build a clear picture of the early castle. Very little historical evidence survives.[61] Mapmaker Timothy Pont (c. 1565–1614) left a description:
The castell of Ylen Donen is composed of a strong and fair dungeon [i.e. a
archery butts] almost round. It is sayd of old that castel consisted of seven tours.[61]
The only drawing of the castle prior to its destruction was made in 1714 by Lewis Petit (c. 1665–1720), a military engineer with the Board of Ordnance who came to Scotland in 1714 to survey Fort William and other defences in the area.[62] Among the drawings he produced are a plan and elevation of Eilean Donan, which clearly show that the castle was largely derelict by this time, with only a building at the southeast corner being roofed.[39]
Early enclosure
In the 13th century, a
Reduced castle
At an unknown period, probably in the later 14th century or early 15th century, the outer wall was abandoned in favour of a smaller defensive enclosure, around 25 m (82 ft) square. The entrance to this smaller courtyard was from the east. The reasons for this change are unclear, though it is suggested that the smaller area would have been easier to defend.[68] During the 16th century, two buildings were added to the southern periphery of the enclosure. A small house was constructed within the southeast angle of the wall, with a circular stair-tower on its northern side giving access to the walkway along the eastern curtain wall. Located just inside the gate, this is likely to have served as a house for the castle's constable or keeper, and is the only building shown with a roof on Petit's survey.[69] At the southwest corner of the enclosure, an L-plan block was put up, possibly as late as the early 17th century. The southern part is sited outside the line of the inner curtain wall, with a northern wing, which may have been a slightly later addition, inside the wall.[70]
Hornwork
In the later 16th century, the castle was extended eastward to create a bastion or "
Modern castle
The present castle buildings are entirely the result of 20th-century reconstruction by Macrae-Gilstrap, who commissioned Edinburgh architect George Mackie Watson to draw up the plans.[74][75] Although the rebuilding followed the extant ground plan, the details of the present castle differ from its original appearance. The survey drawings by Lewis Petit were not rediscovered until the restoration was almost complete, and the restorers therefore were forced to rely on less accurate interpretations such as the work of MacGibbon and Ross, who attempted a plan of the remains in the late 19th century.[76] The clerk of works, Farquhar Macrae, is said to have based the reconstruction on a dream in which he saw the restored Eilean Donan.[2] Rather than a genuinely medieval castle, Eilean Donan is described as "a romantic reincarnation in the tradition of early 20th-century castle revivals."[77] John Gifford, analysing the building against the Petit survey, notes a "fussy elaboration of what was probably plain originally, and an omission of decoration where it once existed",[78] and describes the interior as "a rubbly Edwardian stage-set for life in the Middle Ages".[78]
The castle is today entered from the south, via a modern portal complete with a
Gallery
-
Panorama of the castle from the south
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The castle, seen from the west
-
Looking down the bridge to the castle
-
View from inside the castle grounds
-
Castle Eilen Donan - painting by William Daniell - 1818
[[]]
See also
References
Citations
- ^ a b National Records of Scotland (15 August 2013). "Appendix 2: Population and households on Scotland's Inhabited Islands" (PDF). Statistical Bulletin: 2011 Census: First Results on Population and Household Estimates for Scotland Release 1C (Part Two) (PDF) (Report). SG/2013/126. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Historic Environment Scotland. "Eilean Donan (11837)". Canmore. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- ^ "National Scenic Areas". Scottish Natural Heritage. Archived from the original on 11 March 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ General Register Office for Scotland (28 November 2003) Scotland's Census 2001 – Occasional Paper No 10: Statistics for Inhabited Islands. Retrieved 26 February 2012.
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, pp. 83–84
- ^ Wright 1986, p. 68
- ^ "History". Eilean Donan Castle. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, pp. 85–87
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 7
- ^ a b Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 87
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, pp. 47–49
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, pp. 52–53
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, p. 58
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 88
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 6–8
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 14
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, pp. 69–71
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, p. 74
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, p. 84
- ^ a b Macrae 1910, pp. 22–24
- ^ Brichan 1855, p. 394
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, pp. 125–126
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 25
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, p. 136
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 28
- ^ Mackenzie 1894, p. 147
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 33
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 40–43
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 52, 56
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 52, 58
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 58
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 59
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 195–196
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 61–63
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 65
- ^ Macrae 1910, p. 70
- ^ Stevenson 2004
- ^ Macrae 1910, pp. 63–64, 354
- ^ a b c Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 100
- ^ "Excerpts from the official logs of HMS Worcester and HMS Flamborough, 10 May 1719". Clan Macrae website. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Excerpts from the official logs of HMS Worcester, 11 May 1719". Clan Macrae website. Archived from the original on 23 October 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
- ^ "Excerpts from the official logs of HMS Worcester and HMS Flamborough, 12–28 May 1719". Clan Macrae website. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "The Battle of Glenshiel". Clan Cameron Website. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ Millar, A. H. (1882). "The Battle of Glenshiel, 10th June 1719" (PDF). Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. 17: 57–69.
- ^ "Timeline". Eilean Donan Castle. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ISBN 9781905866496. Archived from the original(PDF) on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
- ^ "Conchra Charitable Trust". Eilean Donan Castle. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Eilean Donan Castle Visitor Centre (275657)". Canmore. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- ^ "Eilean Donan Castle". National Geographic. Archived from the original on 25 March 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Eilean Donan Castle". Historic Houses Association. Archived from the original on 29 May 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Eilean Donan Castle & Visitor Centre". VisitScotland. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Spot the castle!". Clan Macrae in Scotland. Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Filming and Photo shoots". Eilean Donan Castle. Archived from the original on 14 May 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "Short film meant to accompany 'Empire Strikes Back' makes a comeback". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 25 October 2013. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
- ^ Sloan, Billy (5 December 2021). "Jesse Rae – The Thistle – Released – 1987". The Herald.
- ^ 'Over The Sea Artists Original Master'. jesserae1. 19 September 2010 – via YouTube.
- ^ a b c "Filming & Photo Shoots". Eilean Donan Castle.
- ^ "Wealth of fans to locate". The Scotsman. 28 September 2002. Archived from the original on 2 January 2016. Retrieved 27 December 2015.
- ^ "Elizabeth: The Golden Age". A Scientist at the Movies. Archived from the original on 17 October 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
- ^ "When Bollywood came to Scotland". BBC. 20 January 2015. Archived from the original on 22 May 2017. Retrieved 29 July 2020.
- ^ a b Field Archaeology Specialists Ltd. 2008, p. 3
- ^ Latcham 2004
- ^ a b Miket & Roberts 2007, pp. 95–96
- ^ Milburn 2008, p. 110
- ^ Milburn 2009, p. 104
- ^ a b c Gifford 1992, pp. 532–533
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, pp. 100–102
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 107
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, pp. 103–104
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, pp. 105–106
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 108
- ^ MacGibbon & Ross 1889
- ^ a b Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 109
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Eilean Donan Castle (LB7209)". Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- ^ "George Mackie Watson". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Retrieved 23 January 2018.
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 110
- ^ Miers 2008
- ^ a b Gifford 1992, p. 533
- ^ Hull 2009, p. 92
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 105
- ^ Miket & Roberts 2007, p. 106
- ^ Eilean Donan Castle Official Guide 1999, pp. 14
General bibliography
- Brichan, James, ed. (1855). Origines Parochiales Scotiae. Vol. II. Edinburgh: W. H. Lizars.
- The Conchra Charitable Trust (1999). Eilean Donan Castle Official Guide. The Conchra Charitable Trust.
- Field Archaeology Specialists Ltd. (2008). Archaeological Survey: Eilean Donan Castle, Ross-shire (PDF). Conchra Charitable Trust. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- Field Archaeology Specialists Ltd. (2009). Archaeological Evaluation: Eilean Donan Castle, Ross-shire (part 1) (PDF). Conchra Charitable Trust. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 April 2014. Retrieved 14 August 2020. (Part 2)
- Gifford, John (1992). Highlands and Islands. The Buildings of Scotland. Yale University Press. ISBN 978-0300096255.
- Hull, Lise (2009). The Great Castles of Britain & Ireland. New Holland. ]
- Latcham, Paul (2004). "Petit, Lewis (1665?–1720)". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/22038. (Subscription or UK public library membershiprequired.)
- MacGibbon, David; Ross, Thomas (1889). The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland. Vol. III. Edinburgh: David Douglas.
- Mackenzie, Alexander (1894). History of the Mackenzies. Inverness: A. & W. Mackenzie. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
- Macrae, Rev. Alexander (1910). History of the Clan Macrae. Dingwall: George Souter. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
- Macrae, Donald (1970). The Clan Macrae. Johnston's Clan Histories. Johnston and Black. ISBN 07179 4547 2.
- Miers, Mary (2008). Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Rutland Press. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
- Miket, Roger; Roberts, David L (2007). The Medieval Castles of Skye and Lochalsh (2nd ed.). Edinburgh: Birlinn. ISBN 978 1 84158 613 7.
- Milburn, Paula (2008). Discovery and Excavation in Scotland (PDF). New series. Vol. 9. Archaeology Scotland. ISSN 0419-411X.
- Milburn, Paula (2009). Discovery and Excavation in Scotland (PDF). New series. Vol. 10. Archaeology Scotland. ISSN 0419-411X.
- Stevenson, David (2004). "Lindsay, Alexander, first earl of Balcarres". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/16682. (subscription or UK public library membershiprequired)
- Wright, Nicolas (1986). Beautiful Castles of Britain. Gallery Books. ISBN 9780831707415. Retrieved 4 November 2013.
External links
- Media related to Eilean Donan at Wikimedia Commons
- Official website