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Author
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Topic: 1250 A.D. Scottish Castle - wood vs stone
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ryon
Member
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posted 07-14-2000 09:12 PM
 
I'm new here and am seeking information on 1250 A.D. Scotland and castle construction for this time period. I understand that until around 1260 A.D. most castles were built of wood, oftentimes stucco painted over the wood to give the appearance of stone and wealth. However, in a region such as Scotland would a rock/stone castle have been more the norm than wood? This is for a novel and the castle will figure prominently in the story. I have found a wealth of information about castle style for this time period, but I've not found much info on the construction material for 1250 A.D. Scotland. Most of what I've found has been 1300 A.D. and beyond. Thanks in advance for any assist any can give. Sally |
Levan
Moderator
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posted 07-15-2000 02:30 AM
Hmm, there are certainly several surviving Scottish castles from the period you suggest that were constructed of stone. There are also many surviving Brochs, considered by most to be a form of castle or defensive structure (which date from the iron age) so clearly Scotland has a tradition of building in stone. Whether this was the norm in mid-thirteenth century Scotland, I'm not sure. Scotland has had an abundance of both timber and stone building materials, so this is not likely to have been a key factor. Scotland also has an abundance of inclement weather, and as many castles are in coastal regions (where, incidentally, rock lies loose without need for quarrying) this would suggest a need for stone construction as the 'elements' can provide a more formidable enemy than any invaders! Perhaps Wordsmith might have the answer? Levan |
wurdsmiff
unregistered
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posted 07-15-2000 03:29 PM
I agree with Levan's comments.
Certainly in the period around the mid 13th century many motte and bailey castles were still in use, and there is evidence that at least one was built as late as the 14th century. This of course refers to those areas settled by immigrant Norman lords in the previous centuries. There is also evidence that in west highland areas the artificial wooden structures built upon man made island of stone rubble known as crannogs were still used in some places, as were ancient hill forts (duns) and the brochs mentioned.
However the construction of stone castles had certainly began some time before that. The earliest confirmed dating of a stone castle is that at Castle Sween, where parts of the perimeter wall are dated at around 1200, and many other castles claim 11th century components. Stone castles up here at that time had originally consisted of a high perimeter wall with gateway and wallwalk within which a variety of timber lean to or self supporting buildings would have provided the accomodation and service areas. However by 1260, the design had developed to include first corner towers and then keeps, though obviously the wealth of the builder was mirrored in the scale of construction.
The mid 13th century was within the period which these immigrant Norman lords were consolidating their positions by constructing in stone.
Unfortunately for castle buffs, and fortunately for our nation since it was successful, one major tactic of King Robert the Bruce, was to render indefensible all castles which could be held in strategic areas by an invader (ie the English) against the Scots.Berwick and Dunbarton were the only exceptions amongst the royal castles, though he did build in other areas, such as Tarbet Castle in Argyll. This is why there are comparitavely few examples of pre 14th century stone castles remaining in Scotland. ------------------
'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 07-15-2000).] |
ryon
Member
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posted 07-26-2000 08:57 AM
Thank you for your assistance. I have found some other sources since I posted. You've been very generous and helpful. Appreciatively,
Sally |
Levan
Moderator
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posted 07-26-2000 03:41 PM
Other examples of early Scottish stone castles include Cubbie Roo on the island of Wyre which is documented in 1150 as a, 'fine stone castle, which was a strong defence' built by Kolbein Hruga. This consisted of a stone tower 7m square with walls 2m thick (basement still remains). Outer defences were about 25m oval and protected by a 2m ditch. The tower of the 'Old Man of Wick' (Caithness) is also reputed to be of the same era being built by Harald Maddadson, Earl of Orkney (between 1139 and 1206). Earl Harald is also reputed to have built the keep at Braal, near Thurso (also Caithness). One other early example of Scottish castle building that comes to mind is Carlisle Castle (well it was in Scotland then!). The keep was documented as being built by David (on foundations by Henry I, late 1120s) following his capture of Carlisle in 1135. It's worth pointing out that these stone structures are actually earlier than many timber-based motte-and-bailey castles in Scotland (as pointed out in an earlier posting, the lack of availability of timber would have been an issue, particularly in the Caithness castles cited above). There are over 300 examples of motte-and-bailey castles around Scotland; one of the earliest examples of a motte-and-bailey castle in Scotland is Crookston, referred to as Robert Croc's 'close' in about 1180. Likewise, the Bass of Inverurie in the Garioch of Aberdeenshire (an excellent example of a motte which can be seen today) was built by Earl David of Huntingdon in around 1200. Levan [This message has been edited by Levan (edited 07-26-2000).] |
wurdsmiff
unregistered
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posted 07-27-2000 12:32 PM
Apologies for being petty, but the castles listed are all originally of norse construction, and although in Scotland now, were in fact within areas considered part of the norse territories at their times of construction. They are considered Scottish now, after housing and being adapted by Scots for many years (although Orcadians may not consider themselves as such) they are in fact Norse castles in Scotland. The same argument used to justify Carlisle as a Scots castle?
Another small point I would pick up is that the 'motte' at Crookston is in fact a ringwork, and not strictly speaking a motte.
Finally, I will clarify my previous point on confirmed datings of stone castles. Whilst documentary evidence supports the existence of these early stone castles, the Orkneyinga Saga in the case of Cubbie's Roo, archeological evidence has confirmed Castle Sween as the earliest surviving stone castle, and dating it within a decade either side of 1200. This may simply be since not all sites have been excavated, however it also suggests that earlier work has not survived on other sites.------------------
'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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