Midhope Castle, South Queensferry, United Kingdom

Midhope Castle is a 16th-century tower house in Scotland. The derelict castle that can be seen today represents the much-altered 5-storey, oblong tower house.

In 1678, Midhope was given a facelift when an entrance tower was removed and the extension to the east was heightened and extended. A new doorway was added along with a small courtyard.

In the 15th-century Midhope belonged to the Martin family. During the latter 16th century, the castle belonged to Alexander Drummond of Midhope, brother to Robert Drummond of Carnock, Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland. A stone inscribed 'AD 1582 MB' commemorates Alexander and his wife Marjory Bruce.

A painted ceiling from the tower survives in the care of Historic Scotland at Edinburgh; it is planned to be put on public display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It includes cinquefoil motifs and probably commemorates the marriage of Sir Robert Drummond, who became laird in 1619, to a Hamilton heiress. The family motto was 'ad astra per ardua' and fragments from another painted ceiling had gold stars, represented in the crest of the coat of arms.

A large, two-chambered, oblong, late 17th century dovecot sits about 140 metres (150 yd) to the southeast.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Igor Smy (16 days ago)
Outlander fans place. Good place to come and see. Only outside. Not a lot to see around. Located in the middle of private farm

Melissa Oswald (18 days ago)
Such a beautiful place to visit! Amazing history! An awesome Outlander filming location for those of you that are Jamie fans! It's a must see! It will take your breath away!

E craven (36 days ago)
If you love Outlander you will enjoy visiting. Although it is just the external of the building it is a beautiful building. You don't need to spend a long time there but it is a great stop off point in your journey, just make sure to pre-book you visit ticket via the website ? I would definitely recommend a visit if you have the time to stop off. I would say the maximum time you need to spend there is 30 minutes.

Andrew Bowdler (38 days ago)
Wish Scottish National trust would take over and renovate this amazing building. Loved visiting, beautiful castle, Outlanders finest.?

Philip Grant (2 months ago)
If you are a fan then this is a must see, it's exactly per the film as you first approach. Great pic opportunity sat on the steps. Note there is nothing else there to see and you only need around 1/2 hr. You can not enter the building just look around the outside.

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Château de Falaise

Château de Falaise is best known as a castle, where William the Conqueror, the son of Duke Robert of Normandy, was born in about 1028. William went on to conquer England and become king and possession of the castle descended through his heirs until the 13th century when it was captured by King Philip II of France. Possession of the castle changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War. The castle was deserted during the 17th century. Since 1840 it has been protected as a monument historique.

The castle (12th–13th century), which overlooks the town from a high crag, was formerly the seat of the Dukes of Normandy. The construction was started on the site of an earlier castle in 1123 by Henry I of England, with the 'large keep' (grand donjon). Later was added the 'small keep' (petit donjon). The tower built in the first quarter of the 12th century contained a hall, chapel, and a room for the lord, but no small rooms for a complicated household arrangement; in this way, it was similar to towers at Corfe, Norwich, and Portchester, all in England. In 1202 Arthur I, Duke of Brittany was King John of England's nephew, was imprisoned in Falaise castle's keep. According to contemporaneous chronicler Ralph of Coggeshall, John ordered two of his servants to mutilate the duke. Hugh de Burgh was in charge of guarding Arthur and refused to let him be mutilated, but to demoralise Arthur's supporters was to announce his death. The circumstances of Arthur's death are unclear, though he probably died in 1203.

In about 1207, after having conquered Normandy, Philip II Augustus ordered the building of a new cylindrical keep. It was later named the Talbot Tower (Tour Talbot) after the English commander responsible for its repair during the Hundred Years' War. It is a tall round tower, similar design to the towers built at Gisors and the medieval Louvre.Possession of the castle changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War. The castle was deserted during the 17th century. Since 1840, Château de Falaise has been recognised as a monument historique by the French Ministry of Culture.

A programme of restoration was carried out between 1870 and 1874. The castle suffered due to bombardment during the Second World War in the battle for the Falaise pocket in 1944, but the three keeps were unscathed.

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