Visiting Urquhart Castle
It was exciting for the family as we drove up the hill and around the corner and saw for the first time Urquhart Castle. After all the driving over the last few days we had finally reached the main destination. Urquhart Castle was built in the early 13th century and was one of the main castles involved in the wars between the English and the Scots. It swapped hands many times over the years from the Mac Donald clan from the north to the Grant clan loyal to the King of England.
It was used right up till the Jacobite uprising of the 1690s. As the Jacobite rebellion marched towards the castle the gatekeeper decided to blow up the castle rather than have it fall into the Jacobite Hands. He stacked the gate house with gunpowder and blew it to bits. In the photos you can see Jacob standing under one of the larger pieces.
The boys enjoyed exploring the trebuchet and imagining what it would be like to fire it at the castle. The castle itself is located on the banks of the Loch Ness and you can see for miles in both directions. Unfortunately because it was very cold we only stayed for an hour, but still plenty of time to explore the ruins.
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It was used right up till the Jacobite uprising of the 1690s. As the Jacobite rebellion marched towards the castle the gatekeeper decided to blow up the castle rather than have it fall into the Jacobite Hands. He stacked the gate house with gunpowder and blew it to bits. In the photos you can see Jacob standing under one of the larger pieces.
The boys enjoyed exploring the trebuchet and imagining what it would be like to fire it at the castle. The castle itself is located on the banks of the Loch Ness and you can see for miles in both directions. Unfortunately because it was very cold we only stayed for an hour, but still plenty of time to explore the ruins.
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