Braal Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Braal Castle |
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| Halkirk, Highland, Scotland |
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Ruins of Braal Castle
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| Type | Tower house |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Private |
| Controlled by | Earl of Caithness (14th-18th century) |
| Open to the public |
No |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | Mid 14th century |
| Built by | Unknown |
| In use | 14th century – ? |
| Materials | Stone |
Braal Castle is a fascinating old ruin found near the River Thurso in Halkirk, a village in Caithness, northern Scotland. This castle is very old, built in the middle of the 1300s. It was first called the Castle of Brathwell.
Contents
A Look at Braal Castle's Past
Braal Castle has a long and interesting history. It stands on a spot that might have been used even earlier. Some people think Harold II of Orkney, a powerful leader from the 1200s, might have lived here.
Early Owners of Braal Castle
The castle we see today was built in the 1300s. King Robert II of Scotland gave the "Castle of Brathwell" to his son. This son was David Stewart, who was also the Earl of Caithness.
Later, a family member named Walter Stewart owned the castle. In 1437, he lost his lands and the castle. This happened after he was involved in the death of King James I of Scotland.
New Owners and Changes
In 1450, King James II of Scotland gave the castle to Sir George Crichton. Sir George was a very important person. He was the Lord High Admiral of Scotland, in charge of the country's navy. For a short time, he was also called the Earl of Caithness.
Just a few years later, in 1455, the castle changed hands again. King James II gave it to William Sinclair. William Sinclair was a powerful baron and also the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. The castle stayed with the Sinclair family for many years. In the 1700s, it passed to a part of the Sinclair family called the Sinclairs of Ulbster.
The Mansion House Near the Castle
The Sinclair family started building a large house next to the old castle. But they stopped building it before it was finished. In 1856, a hotel was built on top of these unfinished foundations.
During the Second World War, the army used this building. Later, in the 1970s, it was changed into apartments.
What Braal Castle Looks Like Today
The old medieval castle is built in a strong spot. It sits high above the River Thurso, which helped protect it.
Inside the Castle Ruins
The castle is a type of building called a tower house. It is about 12 meters (40 feet) long and 11 meters (36 feet) wide. The walls are very thick, about 2.5 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) wide!
The main entrance to the castle was on the first floor. This led into a large hall. There was a staircase built inside the wall that went up to the next floor. It also led to a walkway along the top of the castle walls. Sadly, the very top parts of the castle are gone today.
The ruins of Braal Castle are now a protected historical site. They are called a scheduled monument.
