Aberdeen Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Aberdeen Castle (destroyed c.1308) |
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| Aberdeen, Scotland | |
Castlegate, Aberdeen
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| Coordinates | 57°08′57″N 02°05′25″W / 57.14917°N 2.09028°W |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Destroyed, no remains. |
| Site history | |
| In use | until c.1308 |
| Demolished | c.1308 |
| Garrison information | |
| Garrison | Variously between Scottish and English troops. |
Aberdeen Castle was an important fort in Aberdeen, Scotland, during the late Middle Ages. It was built on a place called Castle Hill. This spot is now known as the Castlegate, and modern buildings stand where the castle once did. The castle played a key role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, changing hands between Scottish and English forces.
Contents
Aberdeen Castle: A Story of War
Aberdeen Castle was a strong fortress that saw many battles. It was often a target during the long wars between Scotland and England.
English Takeover and King Edward I
In 1295, the castle was given over to the English army. The very next year, on April 14, 1296, the English King, Edward I, came to Aberdeen. He stayed at the castle as he worked to take control of Scotland's east coast. This happened after he had defeated the Scottish forces.
William Wallace's Attack
However, the English control didn't last long. In 1297, the famous Scottish hero, William Wallace, led his men to Aberdeen. This was after he had won a battle at Dunnottar Castle. Wallace's goal was to take back the east coast for Scotland.
When Wallace and his army arrived, they found the English quickly trying to leave. A large group of about one hundred English ships was in the harbour. Wallace's quick arrival from Dunnottar surprised the English. It was low tide, so their ships were stuck in the harbour. The Scots attacked the stranded ships, fighting the soldiers and sailors. They took the goods from the ships and then burned them.
The Castle Declares for Scotland
During this chaotic attack, the English Sheriff of Aberdeen, Sir Henry de Lazom, was in charge of the castle. But he switched sides! He announced that the castle now belonged to the Scottish King, John Balliol. This was a big moment for the Scottish cause.
King Robert the Bruce Destroys the Castle
The castle's story ends with another famous Scottish king, King Robert the Bruce. In June 1308, during the Wars of Scottish Independence, Bruce decided to destroy the castle. This was part of his plan to make sure the English couldn't use captured castles against the Scots.
Bruce and his men surrounded the castle. They fought the English soldiers inside. It is said that the Scots showed no mercy to those who fought them. However, some records suggest that the last English troops were allowed to leave Aberdeen in August 1308. This means the story of "no mercy" might not be fully accurate. On July 10, 1308, English ships even left Hartlepool to try and help the English soldiers in the castle.
The castle and its defenses were "slighted," which means they were torn down. This was done to stop the English army of Edward II from using it again.
The Motto of Aberdeen
There's a legend that the city of Aberdeen's motto, Bon Accord, comes from this time. It's said to be the secret password King Robert the Bruce used to start his final attack and destroy the castle.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Aberdeen para niños
