OS1/15/25/19

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
DIRLETON CASTLE (Ruins of) Dirleton Castle (Ruins of)
Dirleton Castle (Ruins of)
Dirleton Castle (Ruins of)
Dirleton Castle (Ruins of)
Castle of Dirleton
Statist: Acct: [Statistical Account]
Chamber's Gazetteer
Pigot's Directory
Fullarton's Gazetteer
Chalmer's Caledonia
002 [Situation] At the, E, [East] end of Dirleton Village
A large and beautiful ruin in a good state of preservation; the remains of the ancient castle of Dirleton. This fortress was built by the family of Vaux or De Vallibus about the 12th century and has been twice besieged. In 1650 it was taken by Cromwell who reduced it to its present ruinous state - Attached to this ruin is a handsome flower garden, and a bowling green; the whole are enclosed with a stone wall. It is the property of Mrs H.N. Fergusson.
[Continued on page 20]

Continued entries/extra info

[page] 19
Parish of Dirleton

In Forms 136 page
81 - Direlton Castle (Ruins of)

[Note] -- "The Castle of Dirleton, which as a ruin is still in good
preservation, was built by the family of Vaux or De Vallibus
about the twelfth century, and from its present appearance
must have been a large and strong place. In June 1298,
when Edward I. invaded Scotland by the eastern border, no
place resisted him except the Castle of Dirleton. During the siege,
about the beginning of July, the English soldiers, reduced to
great scarcity of provisions subsisted on the pease and beans which
they picked up in the fields, presenting a favourable view of the state of
agriculture in East Lothian so far back as the thirteenth century.
After a resolute defence, the castle surrendered to Anthony Beck, Bishop of Durham.
* * * * * When Cromwell invaded Scotland in 1650 the castle was, after
a gallant defence, taken by Lambert, and by him dismantled and
reduced to its present ruinous state." -- Statist: Acct: [Statistical Account] Page 209

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Moira L- Moderator, Ian Anderson

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