OS1/19/6/51A
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
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| [Dunnottar Castle continued] | [continued from page 51] "of his building a new church, and making recompense to the clergy. It is certain, however, that Dunnottar Castle was in existence long before 1394, and that it had existed even before the contest between Bruce and Baliol, is to be inferred from the fact mentioned by Buchanan, and that at the commencement of that contest, Wallace had assumed the Regency, Dunnottar, 'sufficiently manned and fortified,' was one of the fortresses then held by the English, which were reduced by him. "By an unexpected assault (Says the historian) he carried Dunnottar Castle, which he garrisoned." This, it is believed, is the earliest historical notice of the castle, and while it seems to establish that it was then not a recent erection, it leaves the origin of it in obscurity, from which probably, it will never be extricated. There is indeed a tradition that the great tower, in appearance the oldest of all the buildings, was the work of the Picts. In this there is at least no improbability, for although dismantled, and left to all the influence of the elements, for now more than 100 years, it has yet suffered wonderfully little dilapidation, and its strength and durability having been such that it has so well withstood decay since the days of Wallace, it may well enough be conceived that it had existed for ages before his time. This castle was one of the more considerable of the fortresses of Scotland, and is supposed to have been, before the use of artillery, altogether impregnable. So late as 1651, it held out, with but a 'scanty garrison' for the period of six months, against a body of Cromwell's Troops, and it was only after the siege had been turned into a blockade and when pressed by famine and mutiny, that Ogilvy the governor, was induced to capitulate. In former times, it had frequently changed hands, by what means does not particularly appear, unless that, when it was carried by Wallace, it is said to have been by surprise. To this day, the name of Wallace is attached to an aperture near the great tower, through which he himself is said to [continued on page 51b] |
Continued entries/extra info
[page] 51aParish of Dunnottar
Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Alison James- Moderator, Bizzy- Moderator
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