Glamis Castle is a historic castle located in the heart of Scotland and has been home to the Lyon family, the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, for over 600 years. The castle has a rich and varied history, from its origins as a hunting lodge to its role as a royal palace, military fortification, and family home. A popular destination of guests at the Royal Arch Riverside park this infamous castle is less than 20 minutes drive.
The castle is said to date back to the 14th century, although much of the current building is the result of renovations and additions made in the 16th, 17th, and 19th centuries. Despite its many changes, Glamis Castle has maintained its stunning appearance and continues to be one of Scotland's most impressive and historic castles.
One of the most notable events in the castle's history is its association with King Malcolm II, who is said to have been born at Glamis. King Malcolm II was a King of Scotland who ruled from 1005 until his death in 1034. He was born in 954 and was the grandson of King Kenneth II. He is notable for uniting many of the different Scottish kingdoms under his rule and for being the father of King Duncan I, who was famously murdered by Macbeth in Shakespeare's play.
King Malcolm II was known for his military prowess, and he fought several successful campaigns against the Northumbrians and the Danes. He also expanded the Scottish borders to the south and east, and his rule was characterised by a period of relative peace and stability.
In addition to his military achievements, King Malcolm II is also remembered for his role in the Christianization of Scotland. He worked to promote Christianity throughout his kingdom, and he is said to have built several churches and monasteries during his reign.
Overall, King Malcolm II was an important figure in Scottish history, and his legacy can still be seen today in the many historical sites and landmarks that are associated with his reign.
This connection with royalty has continued throughout its history, with the castle serving as a royal palace for several monarchs, including King James V and his queen, Mary of Guise.
During the Scottish Wars of Independence, Glamis Castle played a role in the conflict, serving as a military fortification. The castle withstood several sieges and was a key strategic point for the Scottish army. After the Wars of Independence, the castle passed into the hands of the Lyon family, who have lived there ever since.
The Queen Mother, also known as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, was born and raised at Glamis Castle. Born Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon in 1900, she was the daughter of the 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne and his wife, Cecilia Cavendish-Bentinck.
Elizabeth grew up at Glamis Castle, surrounded by its rich history and stunning architecture, and developed a lifelong love of the castle and its surroundings. She would go on to play a key role in British history, becoming the wife of King George VI and the mother of Queen Elizabeth II.
Throughout her life, the Queen Mother remained proud of her Scottish heritage and was a frequent visitor to Scotland, including Glamis Castle. She was known for her warmth and kindness, as well as her love of horses and the outdoors, and was much loved by the British people.
After her death in 2002, the Queen Mother was remembered as one of the most popular members of the royal family, and her association with Glamis Castle only added to the castle's already rich history. Today, visitors to the castle can learn about the Queen Mother's life and her connection to the castle, making it an even more fascinating and historic destination.
Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, was also born in Glamis Castle, Scotland on August 21, 1930.
Several movies and TV shows have been filmed at Glamis Castle, including:
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Entrapment (1999)
Victoria & Abdul (2017)
The Wolf Man (2010)
Outlander (TV series)
These productions were drawn to the castle due to its stunning architecture and rich history, making it a perfect backdrop for a variety of films and TV shows set in different eras and with different themes. Visitors to the castle can enjoy a guided tour and learn about its history, as well as see its many beautiful rooms and features, including its historic chapel and grand entrance hall.
The Castle of Kings and Ghosts: A Visit to Glamis Castle
The "Monster of Glamis" is a legendary figure associated with Glamis Castle in Scotland. According to local legend, the monster was a mysterious creature that was said to have lived within the castle walls for centuries. The exact nature of the monster is unclear, but it has been described as being hideously deformed, with a distorted face and body, and was said to emit an ear-piercing scream.
The story of the monster is believed to have originated in the 19th century and has since become an enduring part of the folklore and legends surrounding the castle. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, the legend of the monster has captured the imagination of visitors to Glamis Castle and has added to the castle's reputation as one of Scotland's most mysterious and intriguing historic sites.
However, it should be noted that the story of the "Monster of Glamis" is purely a legend and is not based on any credible historical evidence. The legend has been debunked by many historians and scholars, and it is widely accepted that there is no factual basis to the story. Nevertheless, the legend continues to be a popular part of the folklore associated with the castle and is a popular topic among visitors and tourists.
The Most Haunted Castle in Scotland: Exploring the Ghostly Legends of Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle in Scotland is said to be one of the most haunted castles in Scotland, and there are numerous legends and stories of ghostly activity associated with the castle. Some of the most famous ghosts said to haunt the castle include:
The Grey Lady: This ghost is said to be the ghost of a former castle resident who died a tragic death and now haunts the castle's corridors.
The Little Boy: This ghost is said to be the ghost of a young boy who died at the castle and is now said to haunt one of the castle's bedrooms.
The Earl of Strathmore: The ghost of the former owner of the castle, the Earl of Strathmore, is said to haunt the castle's chapel and is said to have been seen sitting in his pew.
The Wandering Minstrel: This ghost is said to be the ghost of a minstrel who once entertained the castle residents and is now said to wander the castle's halls, playing his lute.
It should be noted that there is no scientific evidence to support the claims of ghostly activity at Glamis Castle, and the stories of ghosts are purely legends and folklore. Nevertheless, the legends and stories of ghostly activity at the castle have added to its reputation as a mysterious and intriguing historic site.
In more recent times, Glamis Castle has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who are interested in its rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle, exploring its many rooms and learning about its fascinating history. The castle also has extensive grounds, including a beautiful garden and woodland walks, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In 2017 the courier reported over 100,000 visited the Castle in Scotland
In conclusion, Glamis Castle is a remarkable and historic building with a rich and varied history. From its origins as a hunting lodge to its role as a royal palace and military fortification, the castle has been a key part of Scotland's history for over 600 years. Today, it remains one of Scotland's most impressive and popular tourist destinations, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the chance to explore one of Scotland's most historic and beautiful castles.
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