 Cawdor Castle
Begun in the latter part of the 14th century as a family stronghold, this
Scottish tower house was surrounded by legend, myth and superstitition
from its earliest days. Over the last six centuries these tales have
been woven together with a number of grisly events involving the Campbells
to produce a fascinating family history, waiting to be revealed within
the walls of an equally intriguing building.
Sited on a solid foundation, supposedly chosen by a donkey, the tall rectangular tower was constructed
around an ancient holly tree, the petrified remains of which can be
found in the vaulted basement. In the mid 15th century a Licence to
fortify Cawdor Castle was granted by James II of Scotland, at which
time an extension to the tower was added as well as crenellations and
turrets, the entire structure being enclosed by curtain walls. Some
200 years later the basic tower house had been incorporated into a new
complex of additional domestic ranges, and the internal arrangements
of Cawdor Castle had been brightened with natural daylight, colour and
luxurious furnishings.
Cawdor Castle had evolved into an impressive mansion, grey and still a little foreboding in appearance,
but with an inner warmth and cosiness firmly installed behind that harsh
façade. Fires were roaring from handsome fireplaces, huge rich tapestries
adorned the thick stone walls, and a library of books enriched the status
and deéor of Sir Hugh Campbell's home.
Following the death of Sir Hugh in 1716, Cawdor Castle was virtually abandoned by his successors
for the next century. While they preferred to live at other properties
in London and Wales, the Scottish estate was managed by factors who
undertook minimal maintenance work on the neglected house. A devastating
fire In 1819 resulted in the loss of many family portraits, and this
prompted the 1st Earl Cawdor to provide some on-site accommodation for
the factor. By 1826 a new house had been annexed to Cawdor Castle, and
further extensions and improvements were carried out during the remainder
of the Victorian era. Despite the alterations and general redecoration,
the core of Cawdor Castle remains very much influenced by Sir Hugh's
remarkable 18th century transformation.
Perhaps Cawdor Castle's association with Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' is little more
than a romantic notion, but this becomes almost insignificant as the real
appeal is in the building, the location and the turbulent history of the
Campbells. This really does remain a private fortress in the Highlands,
situated amongst some densely wooded landscape, yet having some beautiful
gardens and a timeless charm that cannot fail to delight visitors from
all walks of life. |
