 Glamis Castle
Known the world over as the late Queen Mother's childhood home, this 'fairy-tale'
castle has evolved over some 450 years of building and remodelling.
Even before the castle was built, this ancient land was the scene of
many historical events that have been traced back as far as the Picts'
habitation. It was here that St Fergus began his work of converting
the wild, lawless heathens to Christianity, and later the Kings of Scots
chose this lush forest as a favoured hunting ground. In 1034 King Malcom
II died from battle wounds in the early Glamis Castle, and Macbeth also
came to grief, as William Shakespeare's famous dramatisation reveals.
Then in 1372 the land was granted to John Lyon for his services to Robert
II, the first Stewart King of Scots. Four years later, Lyon married
the King's daughter and was subsequently knighted.
After his father was murdered, the second Sir John Lyon inherited Glamis, married the great granddaughter
of Robert II, and began building the present castle. His son became the
first Lord Glamis, and in 1606 the 9th Lord Glamis was created
Earl of Kinghorne. Perhaps the toughest time was had by the 3rd
Earl, who inherited huge debts, but was determined that his ancestral
estate would be restored both decoratively and financially. Through his
solid resolve, not only was Glamis Castle greatly improved, in some areas
completely rebuilt, but he also gained a new charter of peerage and has
since been known as Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne.
During the 18th century much of the present Glamis village was developed by the 9th
Earl, and the rural community is still supported by the royal estate.
Modernisation, refurbishment and occasional additions to the main structure
of Glamis Castle continued into the 20th century, when it entered
into the most significant phase of its Royal connections, and established
a lasting union between Scotland and the English Royal Family.
Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, the youngest daughter of the 14th Earl of Strathmore, married
Prince Albert in 1923, ultimately to become Queen Elizabeth and King George
VI. Shortly after the marriage, the Countess of Strathmore converted a
suite of rooms for the exclusive use of her daughter and new Royal husband
to give them somewhere to relax, well away from the pressures of the busy
public life they endured, and they used to return often. A memorable and
proud event for Scotland was the birth of Princess Margaret at Glamis Castle in 1930.
A comprehensive guided tour of Glamis Castle helps the visitor understand the various building periods
throughout the family's line of succession, highlighting some of the
gruesome misdemeanours associated with Glamis Castle along the way. In fairly quick succession,
the décor can change from a medieval crypt to a Victorian dining room,
or from the chilling spot of an 11th century King's demise
to the beautifully romantic setting of the Queen Mother's apartments.
To look at the eye-catching display of slender towers, turrets and
spires reflecting their innocent pinky-grey tones, it is difficult to envisage
the many mysterious occurrences and legendary accounts of miracles that
lie behind this 'Hans Christian Anderson' façade. |
