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Author
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Topic: Methven Castle
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PuffBall
Member
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posted 02-06-2000 07:57 AM
  
I am looking for information On Methven Castle in Methven, Scotland. I am in my forties and this part of a search for my family history. |
wurdsmiff
unregistered
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posted 02-06-2000 09:40 AM
For other readers see also the reply given at
http://www.castlesontheweb.com/quest/Forum1/HTML/000039.html
I apologise for bringing a genealogy question to this forum, however the bulk of the following answer will be regarding an individual castle and separating the two impractical.
Comment on genealogy; I have no data at the moment on the source of the surname Methven, Whilst often the case that the name came from those who at some stage owned or occupied the lands, this may be from a title holder, a tenant, or very early occupants prior to the building of the castle. In the history section of what follows you will see the title Lord Methven, and whilst descent from one of these men is possible (as title holders were often known simply by the name source of their title) this should not be assumed until shown to be true by careful research.
Go To http://www.origins.net/GRO/instructions.html for help
Further detail of structure. The castle stands on a ridge giving distant views to the south, and west of Perth by 5 miles. It is built of coursed red rubble, with the entrance in the centre of the north side. Internally the rooms are of a regular plan with no vaulted chambers, and a parapet projection guards the entrance. Each of the four round corner towers supports a stair.
As stated the present building dates from the early 17th century, though certainly stands on the site of earlier castles, or may incorporate parts of, or material from them.
The Mowbrays previously mentioned were unfortunate enough to support both the English cause and the Balliol factions during the Wars of Independence in the 13th-14th centuries, hence their estate was confiscated, and passed to Robert the Bruce's son in law, Walter Stewart, progenitor of the Royal dynasty of that name. He granted the estate to his second son, also Walter, who as brother to the later Robert 2nd, became Earl of Atholl.
He was also forfeited, and the estate remained Crown property until granted to the said Margaret Tudor. After the death of James 4th, she re-married twice, and gained the title Lord Methven for her third husband, another Stewart, - Henry. After her death, he retained the estate , and was remarried to yet another Stewart, Janet, daughter to the then Earl of Atholl. The second Lord died at Edinburgh as a result of cannon fire from the castle there. The third lord died without an heir and the property returned to the crown. James 6th later granted it to his distant cousin Esme Stewart, who became the first Duke of Lennox, and it is assumed that he built most of what now stands. It was sold by the last Duke to the Smythes mentioned, and the great grandson of the first Smythe owner gained the title Lord Methven by virtue of his position as a Senator of the College of Justice. It remained with his descendants until this century. One of the restorations was carried out by the architect Ken Murdoch.
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'Give me the groves that lofty brave,
The storms, by Castle Gordon'.
Visit my web-site at
www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm
Gordon. [This message has been edited by wurdsmiff (edited 02-06-2000).] |
wurdsmiff
unregistered
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posted 02-11-2000 02:37 PM
For further name origin data see
http://www.castlesontheweb.com/quest/Forum1/HTML/000039.html ------------------
'Give me the groves that lofty brave,
The storms, by Castle Gordon'.
Visit my web-site at
www.castlesontheweb.com/members/wurdsmiff/castles.htm Gordon. | |
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