Glamis Castle: Historic Scottish Residence and Landmark

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.glamis-castle.co.uk

Country: United Kingdom

Civilization: Medieval European

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Glamis Castle is situated near the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland. The site’s earliest recorded significance dates to 1034, when King Malcolm II was reportedly fatally wounded at a royal hunting lodge located there, long before the castle’s construction. The castle itself was established by 1372, when Robert II granted the estate to Sir John Lyon, the Thane of Glamis, marking the beginning of the Lyon family’s association with the property.

In the early 15th century, the original structure was rebuilt as an L-plan tower house. The title Lord Glamis was created in 1445 for Sir Patrick Lyon, who played a key role in the castle’s history. During the 16th century, the castle witnessed turbulent events, including the accusation and execution of Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, for witchcraft in 1537. At one point, King James V seized the castle temporarily, reflecting its political importance.

The early 17th century saw significant expansion under Patrick Lyon, the 9th Lord Glamis, who was elevated to Earl of Kinghorne in 1606. He initiated major building works, commemorated by an inscription on the central tower. During the mid-17th century Commonwealth period, the castle was garrisoned by military forces. By 1670, it was found uninhabitable and underwent restoration, including the addition of Baroque-style gardens.

In the 18th century, the Bowes-Lyon family enhanced the castle grounds further. The southwest wing was rebuilt in the 19th century following a fire. The castle gained royal connections in the 20th century as the birthplace and childhood home of Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, later the Queen Mother, born in 1900. Princess Margaret was also born at Glamis in 1930. During World War I, the castle served as a military hospital. A significant fire in 1916 caused damage, but many contents were saved.

Since 1987, Glamis Castle has been featured on the reverse side of the Royal Bank of Scotland’s ten-pound notes. It remains the residence of the current Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne, Simon Bowes-Lyon, who has lived there since 2016.

Remains

Glamis Castle’s core is an L-plan tower house, with origins in the 14th century and substantial 17th-century additions. The walls are about one metre thick, constructed to provide strong defense. Two front towers, each roughly seven metres in diameter and four metres high, are topped with modern parapets, blending historical and contemporary elements.

Inside the castle is a small chapel seating 46 people, still used for family ceremonies. One seat is traditionally reserved for the “White Lady,” a ghost believed to be Janet Douglas, linking the chapel to local legend. The castle’s interiors include notable 18th- and 19th-century features, such as a large fireplace relocated from Gibside, which bears the Blakiston family coat of arms.

The ceilings display finely detailed stucco work, considered among Scotland’s finest, comparable to that found at Muchalls and Craigievar Castles. The estate covers over 57 square kilometres (14,000 acres), including parks, gardens, and an arboretum with rare and ancient trees. The grounds support agricultural activities, producing lumber and beef.

Approaching the castle, visitors encounter four 17th-century bronze statues of monarchs Charles I, James VI, Charles II, and James VII. Two of these statues were crafted by the sculptor Arnold Quellin. The castle archives, housed in the clock tower, contain important historical documents such as a papal bull and memoirs of Mary Eleanor Bowes. These archives are connected to the University of Dundee’s collections.