Castle of King Edward facts for kids

The Castle of King Edward is a very old ruined castle in Scotland. You can find it near a village called King Edward, Aberdeenshire, about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) (or 3.7 miles) north of Turriff. It sits where the A947 road crosses a small river called the Burn of King Edward. This castle was once the main home for the powerful feudal barons of King Edward.

A Glimpse into History

The Castle of King Edward was built a long, long time ago, between the 1200s and 1300s. During this time, it was owned by the Comyn family, who were important nobles known as the Earls of Buchan.

However, the castle likely faced a tough time around 1308. It was probably damaged or partly destroyed by Robert the Bruce during a period known as the Harrying of Buchan. This happened during the First War of Scottish Independence, a big fight for Scotland's freedom.

Later, in 1509, there are records that suggest the castle was rebuilt. Lord Forbes might have done this work in the 1500s, but today, there isn't much physical evidence left to show this rebuilding.

What the Castle Looked Like

The castle was built on a small hill, or "knoll," on the north side of the Burn of King Edward river. There are two bridges nearby today, which suggests this spot was important for travel and defense when the castle was first built.

The castle was designed with a central courtyard, like a big open space, surrounded by strong walls and buildings on all four sides. The main hall, where important meetings and feasts would have happened, was on the north-east side of the courtyard. The main entrance, or gatehouse, was on the north-west side of the outer wall. To get into the castle, people would have crossed a ditch using a drawbridge.

Today's Ruins

Today, the Castle of King Edward is mostly in ruins. Only parts of its old structures still stand, reminding us of its long history and the people who once lived there.