Post by neil6147 on Jun 6, 2006 22:53:51 GMT 10
Crichton Castle is located approx 15 miles south of Edinburgh just of the A68 near to the village of Pathhead. Pathhead has a few shops plus a great Bakers so feel free to buy oyur food for a picnic within the village before travelling along Crichton Road in the village for approx 3 miles. You should be entering the village of Crichton turn right and take the left hand fork in the road and follow this down to Crichton Church. Park your car and take the grass footpath which take you to Crichton Castle.
Please note it is best to wear good foot wear for this walk as the path is rough in places.
The castle was built in the early 15th century by The Lord Chancellor Crichton. Inside the castle you are greeted with a Diamond - Studded Florentine Arcade on the north wing.
This you will agree is an architectural wonder of the 16th century.
The ealiest records of the Crichton Estate are on a 13th century charte when Robert 111 presented John De Crichton with the barony of Crichton. Possibly he be gan building the north tower - which after the addition of the north wing , makes it look more as if it to the east. Some hisorians considered his son, the famous Sir William Crichton , to have been the one most likely to have done so and to have added the gatehouse in the 15th century. ( This is th James Crichton who , in 1440 lured the young Earl Douglas and his brother to Edinburgh Castle. They were murdered at the signal of a pig`s head being brought to the table . This famous incident is know as the Black Dinner.) The castle was to have a history of Lords and occupants who were not of the most upright character. In 1483 the 3rd Lord Crichton was incarcerated in the castle for his part in the Duke of Albany`s conspiracy against James 111. Though he managed to escape , the king seized his lands and the castle, giving them to Sir John Ramsay Ironically, Sir John who became the 1st Lord Bothwell, died an obscure and traitorous spy for the English after Sauchieburn. at this James IV forfeited the estate and presented it to Patrick Hepburn, who was made Earl Bothwell. In 1569 te castle was forfeited for the third time when James Hepburn the most notorious Earl Bothwell was found guilty of conspiracy against the crown.
Mary Queens of Scots his mistress and later wife visited the castle occasionally. She is reputed to have attended a wedding there in 1572, for one of her many illegitimate half-brothers. It is also reckoned that she spent part of her honeymoon there with Darnley. The initials M S D are cut into the stone above the central pillars on the east side of the courtyard. Do they stand for MARY STUART DARNLEY ? if it is true that she spent her honwymoon there, it seems to be a cruel twist of fate that she would later be married to Crichton`s Lord who was involved in her previous husband`s murder.
Below are more of the picture I taken whilst visiting Crichton Castle which is a short drive from where we live.
I do believe that Mary Queen of Scots would have visited this castle. As Borthwick Castle is not to far away from Crichton Castle.
The Castle has also forward in time and is now fitted with Solar Panels on the top the reason for this to provide light and cooking for the Warden who spend most of the day here for you the tourists.
This building lies just to the south of the castle and is not and old Chapel but was the Stable`s. With a living area above for the grooms. This will let you see just how well the horse were looked after in this period of time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.
Please note it is best to wear good foot wear for this walk as the path is rough in places.
The castle was built in the early 15th century by The Lord Chancellor Crichton. Inside the castle you are greeted with a Diamond - Studded Florentine Arcade on the north wing.
This you will agree is an architectural wonder of the 16th century.
The ealiest records of the Crichton Estate are on a 13th century charte when Robert 111 presented John De Crichton with the barony of Crichton. Possibly he be gan building the north tower - which after the addition of the north wing , makes it look more as if it to the east. Some hisorians considered his son, the famous Sir William Crichton , to have been the one most likely to have done so and to have added the gatehouse in the 15th century. ( This is th James Crichton who , in 1440 lured the young Earl Douglas and his brother to Edinburgh Castle. They were murdered at the signal of a pig`s head being brought to the table . This famous incident is know as the Black Dinner.) The castle was to have a history of Lords and occupants who were not of the most upright character. In 1483 the 3rd Lord Crichton was incarcerated in the castle for his part in the Duke of Albany`s conspiracy against James 111. Though he managed to escape , the king seized his lands and the castle, giving them to Sir John Ramsay Ironically, Sir John who became the 1st Lord Bothwell, died an obscure and traitorous spy for the English after Sauchieburn. at this James IV forfeited the estate and presented it to Patrick Hepburn, who was made Earl Bothwell. In 1569 te castle was forfeited for the third time when James Hepburn the most notorious Earl Bothwell was found guilty of conspiracy against the crown.
Mary Queens of Scots his mistress and later wife visited the castle occasionally. She is reputed to have attended a wedding there in 1572, for one of her many illegitimate half-brothers. It is also reckoned that she spent part of her honeymoon there with Darnley. The initials M S D are cut into the stone above the central pillars on the east side of the courtyard. Do they stand for MARY STUART DARNLEY ? if it is true that she spent her honwymoon there, it seems to be a cruel twist of fate that she would later be married to Crichton`s Lord who was involved in her previous husband`s murder.
Below are more of the picture I taken whilst visiting Crichton Castle which is a short drive from where we live.
I do believe that Mary Queen of Scots would have visited this castle. As Borthwick Castle is not to far away from Crichton Castle.
The Castle has also forward in time and is now fitted with Solar Panels on the top the reason for this to provide light and cooking for the Warden who spend most of the day here for you the tourists.
This building lies just to the south of the castle and is not and old Chapel but was the Stable`s. With a living area above for the grooms. This will let you see just how well the horse were looked after in this period of time.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article.