Balvenie Castle facts for kids
Balvenie Castle is a very old ruined castle located about 1 kilometer north of Dufftown in the Moray area of Scotland. It's a historic place that tells many stories from the past.
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History of Balvenie Castle
Balvenie Castle was first built in the 1100s. Back then, it was known as Mortlach. A powerful family called the Comyns, sometimes called the Black Comyns, built it. Over the years, the castle was made bigger and changed in the 1400s and 1500s.
Early Challenges and New Owners
In 1308, a famous Scottish king, Robert the Bruce, attacked the castle. This attack left the castle badly damaged and impossible to live in for a while.
Later, in the 1300s, Balvenie Castle and its lands became the property of the Douglas family, who were very important at the time. It's thought that the castle came to them when Joanna Murray married Archibald "the Grim" Douglas in 1362.
Archibald's son, Archibald Douglas, 4th Earl of Douglas, later gave the castle to his younger brother, James "the Gross" Douglas, in 1408. James mostly lived at another castle, so Balvenie was used as a temporary home when he needed it.
Changing Hands and Royal Control
In 1440, William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas was killed. After this, James "the Gross" became the 7th Earl. He then gave Balvenie Castle to his youngest son, John Douglas, Lord of Balvenie.
However, after James "the Gross" died in 1443, there was more conflict between the royal family (the Stewarts) and the Douglas family. In 1455, the main Douglas family line was defeated in a battle called the Battle of Arkinholm. Because of this defeat, all their lands and titles, including Balvenie Castle, were taken by the King.
King James II then divided these lands among his supporters. Balvenie Castle was given to Sir John Stewart, who later became the first Earl of Atholl.
Later Years and Present Day
After William Duff died in 1718, the castle was no longer used as a home. In 1746, during a rebellion, soldiers used the castle as a camp.
Today, the remains of Balvenie Castle are looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. It is considered a very important historical site. Even though it's managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the castle is still privately owned. The current owner is Jeremy Duncan Nicholson, Baron of Balvenie.
The castle is open for visitors to explore from the beginning of April until the end of September.
Did you know that Balvenie whisky is made at a distillery located down the hill from the castle?
