Doune Castle - wee guides to scotland castles and mansions

Wee Guides to Scotland
Doune Castle

Goblinshead

130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND

Standing on a strong site in a lovely location, Doune Castle, built in the 14th century, consists of two strong towers linked by a lower range. These buildings form two sides of a courtyard, the other sides enclosed by a high curtain wall. The fine Lord's Hall has a carved oak screen, musician's gallery and a double fireplace. The castle was built by Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, who virtually ruled Scotland during the reign of Robert III and the imprisonment in England of the young James I. When Albany died in 1420, his son, Murdoch, succeeded him as Regent, but when James I was freed in 1424 he had Murdoch executed. Doune was kept as a royal hunting lodge, prison, and dower house for the widows of James III, James IV and James V. It was occasionally used by Mary, Queen of Scots, and was held by forces loyal to her until 1570. Doune was occupied by the Marquis of Montrose in 1645, and by Government troops during the Jacobite Risings of 1689 and 1715. It was taken by Jacobites in 1745, and used as a prison, although many of the prisoners escaped. Doune was restored in the late 19th century, and was used as a location for the BBC production of Ivanhoe. Exhibition.

Directions:	Off A820, SE of Doune, Stirlingshire
Ownership:	HS	01786 841742	Ord. Survey Map Ref:	NN 728011 57
Open:	daily all year except closed Thursday PM and Fridays October to March.
Key:	P S £	Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

Fax:+44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk