OS1/25/17/27

Continued entries/extra info

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[Continued] "Macbeth taking a superstitious turn, he applied to them for free advice, and
by their council built a lofty castle on an adjoining hill since called Dunsinane, which
in the Gaelic signifies the hill of the Ants, implying the great labour and industry so essentially
required for collecting the materials of so vast a building. It was part by nature strong, as well
as fortified by art, being partly defended by high outer rocks, and partly surrounded by an
outer wall, which enclosed a considerable space of ground for exercising the men &c. There was also
a fosse, which joined the wall and outer rocks, and a high rampart which environed the whole, and
defended the castle, itself large and well fortified. When Malcolm Canmore came into Scotland,
supported by English auxiliaries, to recover his dominions from Macbeth The Giant as the country people
called him, he marched first to Dunkeld, which led him to Birnam Wood - Macbeth began to dispair
in consequence of the witches predictions, who had warned him to beware "when Birnam Wood
should come to Dunsinane" And when Malcolm prepared to attack the Castle, where it was principally
defended by the outer rocks, he immediately deserted it, and flying ran up the opposite hill,
pursued Macduff, but finding it impossible to escape, he threw himself from the top of the hill,
was killed upon the rocks and buried at the Lang Man's Grave, as it is called, which is still extant."
Old Stat. Acct. [Old Statistical Account]
"On the summit of the famous hill of Dunsinane stood the castle, the residence of
Macbeth, full in view of Birnam wood, on the opposite side of the plain. No place could be better adapted for
the seat of a jealous tyrant; the sides are steep, & of the most difficult ascent; the summit commanding a view
to a great distance in front and rear. At present there are not any remains of this celebrated fortress: its place
is now a verdant area, of an oval form, 54 yards by 30, and surrounded by two deep ditches. This place
was fortified with great labour, for Macbeth depended on its strength & naturals steepness as a secure
retreat against every enemy."
Pennant's Tour of 1772