Auchindoun Castle facts for kids
Auchindoun Castle is an old castle from the 1400s. It's a special type of castle called an L-Plan tower castle. You can find it near Dufftown in Banffshire, Scotland.
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History of Auchindoun Castle
Even before the castle was built, there were signs of ancient people living here. They built earth mounds on the land. The castle we see today was built in the mid-1400s. Some people think Robert Cochrane, a close friend of King James III, built it.
In 1489, the castle went to the Clan Ogilvy family. Then, in 1535, it passed to the powerful Clan Gordon.
The castle was damaged in 1592 by the Clan MacKintosh. They were upset because the Earl of Huntly (a Gordon) had killed their friend, the "Bonny Earl O'Moray". In 1593, Patrick Gordon of Auchindoun lost his land because he was seen as a rebel. Auchindoun Castle was then given to Sir George Home.
After a battle in 1594, injured soldiers from the Earl of Huntly's side came to Auchindoun for safety. Later, King James VI ordered that Auchindoun and other Gordon castles should be damaged or torn down.
When King Charles II returned to power, the castle was given back to the Marquis of Huntly.
In 1689, during a time called the first Jacobite rising, the castle was used by an army for a short time. But by 1725, the castle was ruined and abandoned. Stones from Auchindoun Castle were later used to build local farm buildings and parts of nearby Balvenie Castle.
What Auchindoun Castle Looked Like
When it was complete, Auchindoun Castle had a large main tower. It also had a tall outer wall around it. Inside these walls were other buildings like a stable, a place to make beer (a brewery), and a bakery. There was also a second round tower in one corner.
Underneath the main tower, there were cellars and possibly dungeons dug into the rock. Today, much of the outer wall and some smaller buildings are still there. However, the main tower is very broken down.
The Gordons added an extension to the castle in the 1500s. As mentioned, some of its stones were later used for other buildings.
Today, the castle ruins are looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. For many years, it was too dangerous to visit. But after some repair work, Auchindoun Castle re-opened to visitors in November 2007.
"The Burning of Auchindoun" Song
The story of the Clan MacKintosh attacking Auchindoun inspired a traditional song. It's called "The Burning of Auchindoun." It's also known as Child Ballad 183, "Willie MacIntosh." Here are some of the lyrics:
As A cam in by Fiddichside, on a May mornin
A spied Willie MacIntosh an oor before the dawnin
Tarn again, tarn again, tarn again, A'se bid ye
If ye barn Auchindoun, Huntly he will heid ye<
Heid me or hang me, that shall never fear me
A'll burn Auchindoun tho' the life leave me
As A cam in bi Fiddichside on a May mornin
Auchindoun was in a bleeze, an hour before the dawning
Crawing, crawing, for a' your crouse crawin'
Ye burnt yer crop an tint your wings an oor before the dawnin
Images for kids
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Auchindoun Castle
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Arches and vaults of Auchindoun Castle Keep
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Auchindoun Castle Keep
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Auchindoun Castle with Kiln visible
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View from the Castle through a ruined doorway, towards the South East
