Scotland: Cawdor Castle
Dec 1, 2019 16:45:10 #
Cawdor Castle is set amid gardens in the parish of Cawdor in Nairnshire, Scotland. The castle is built around a 15th-century tower house, with substantial additions in later centuries. Originally a property of the Calder family, it passed to the Campbells in the 16th century. It remains in Campbell ownership, and is now home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of Colin Campbell, 7th Earl Cawdor.
The name of Cawdor still connects the castle to Shakespeare's play Macbeth. However, the story portrayed by Shakespeare takes extensive liberties with history. In the play, Shakespeare has three witches foretell that Macbeth, then Thane of Glamis, would become Thane of Cawdor and King thereafter. Duncan almost immediately makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, after which Macbeth and his Lady plot the murder of Duncan in order to fulfil the prophecy. Duncan is killed in his sleep, at Macbeth's castle in Inverness, an act that leads to Macbeth's ultimate downfall.
The historical King Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057, after his forces killed King Duncan I in battle near Elgin. Macbeth was never Thane of Cawdor, this being an invention of the 15th-century writer Hector Boece. Moreover, Cawdor Castle did not exist during the lifetimes of Macbeth or Duncan, and it is never explicitly mentioned in the play. The 5th Earl Cawdor is quoted as saying, "I wish the Bard had never written his damned play!"
The castle is known for its gardens, which include the Walled Garden (originally planted in the 17th century), the Flower Garden (18th century), and the Wild Garden (added in the 1960s). In addition, the castle grounds include a wood featuring numerous species of trees (as well as over 100 species of lichen).
The gardens will be the subject of my next post. Please enjoy these images of the castle and some of its magnificent interior.
Mark
The name of Cawdor still connects the castle to Shakespeare's play Macbeth. However, the story portrayed by Shakespeare takes extensive liberties with history. In the play, Shakespeare has three witches foretell that Macbeth, then Thane of Glamis, would become Thane of Cawdor and King thereafter. Duncan almost immediately makes Macbeth Thane of Cawdor, after which Macbeth and his Lady plot the murder of Duncan in order to fulfil the prophecy. Duncan is killed in his sleep, at Macbeth's castle in Inverness, an act that leads to Macbeth's ultimate downfall.
The historical King Macbeth ruled Scotland from 1040 to 1057, after his forces killed King Duncan I in battle near Elgin. Macbeth was never Thane of Cawdor, this being an invention of the 15th-century writer Hector Boece. Moreover, Cawdor Castle did not exist during the lifetimes of Macbeth or Duncan, and it is never explicitly mentioned in the play. The 5th Earl Cawdor is quoted as saying, "I wish the Bard had never written his damned play!"
The castle is known for its gardens, which include the Walled Garden (originally planted in the 17th century), the Flower Garden (18th century), and the Wild Garden (added in the 1960s). In addition, the castle grounds include a wood featuring numerous species of trees (as well as over 100 species of lichen).
The gardens will be the subject of my next post. Please enjoy these images of the castle and some of its magnificent interior.
Mark
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Dec 1, 2019 17:09:06 #
Dec 1, 2019 17:16:41 #
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Dec 1, 2019 17:23:28 #
vcmestimator wrote:
Fantastic, thanks for sharing.
You're most welcome. Thanks for commenting VCM.
Dec 1, 2019 17:24:08 #
Dec 1, 2019 17:25:04 #
OneShot1 wrote:
Very cool! Thanks.
You're very welcome OneShot. Thanks for looking.
Dec 1, 2019 17:38:35 #
Dec 1, 2019 17:52:56 #
Cmbtvet wrote:
Very cool set and the history lesson thanks for sharing
Thanks so much Vet. I appreciate!
Dec 1, 2019 18:18:53 #
Outstanding, Mark. Looking forward to the next set. And thanks for the narrative.
Dec 1, 2019 18:28:14 #
kpmac wrote:
Outstanding, Mark. Looking forward to the next set. And thanks for the narrative.
Thanks so much Ken. I hope you like the next set as well.
Dec 1, 2019 19:28:44 #
Excellent series Mark and interesting narrative. Especially enjoyed the interior shots. 
Dec 1, 2019 19:51:26 #
Sylvias wrote:
Excellent series Mark and interesting narrative. Especially enjoyed the interior shots.
Thanks so much Sylvia. So happy you enjoyed them.
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