Darnaway Castle facts for kids
Darnaway Castle, also known as Tarnaway Castle, is a historic building in Darnaway Forest, Scotland. It is about 3 miles (5 km) southwest of Forres in Moray. This land once belonged to the Comyn family. King Robert I gave it to Thomas Randolph along with the title of Earl of Moray. Darnaway Castle has been the home of the Earls of Moray ever since. The castle was rebuilt in 1810, but it still has its amazing old banqueting hall. This hall is so big it could once hold 1,000 people!
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Darnaway comes from the Gaelic word Taranaich. This old word means "thunder plain." It helps us imagine the area's history and natural features.
Early Owners of Darnaway Castle
The Randolph Family
Sir Thomas Randolph likely built the very first castle at Darnaway. His grandson, John, the 3rd Earl, died in a battle in 1346. He had no sons, so the earldom went to Patrick Dunbar. Patrick was married to one of John's daughters.
From Dunbars to Douglases
The Dunbar family line ended around 1430. The earldom then passed to the powerful Douglas family. Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray, died in battle in 1455. He was fighting with his brothers against King James III. The King wanted to reduce the power of the Douglas family. Because of this, the Moray title and lands were taken away from the Douglases.
The Stuart Family Takes Over
After the Douglases, the castle and title went to the Murray family. Later, it passed to the Stuart family. Darnaway Castle has remained with their descendants to this day.
The Amazing Great Hall
The banqueting hall is the oldest part of the castle that still stands. It was built around 1450 by Archibald Douglas, Earl of Moray. This hall has its original 15th-century hammerbeam roof. This type of roof is very special and rare in Scotland. It is one of only two medieval halls in Scotland that still have their original roof.
Royal Visits and Entertainment
Darnaway Forest was an important source of wood. In 1497, King James IV sent someone to get "great trees" for his army's cannons. The hall's roof was even repaired with wooden shingles.
King James IV loved to visit Darnaway. In 1501, young women from Forres came to the castle to sing for him. He also kept his mistress, Janet Kennedy, and their children at Darnaway. In 1502, he sent a musician to entertain them. Later, in 1504, he brought Italian musicians and an African drummer to the castle. The local girls danced for him. He also played cards and watched dancing called "capers" in the hall.
The hall was already famous in 1562. An English visitor, Thomas Randolph, called it "very fair and large." Mary, Queen of Scots, also visited Darnaway Castle in September 1562.
A Historic Conflict
King James VI stayed at Darnaway Castle in 1589. Around 1590, a conflict began between the Earl of Huntly and the Earl of Moray. This happened after a widow from Ballindalloch Castle married someone from the Gordon family.
The Earl of Huntly went to Ballindalloch to arrest a man named John Grant. John Grant was accused of crimes. However, John Grant of Freuchie, a powerful local chief, joined with the Earl of Moray. They came to Darnaway Castle. From the castle, they fired guns and cannons at Huntly's men. Sadly, someone from the Gordon family was killed during this conflict.
Randolph's Leap
South of the castle, the River Findhorn flows through a deep gorge. This spot is known as Randolph's Leap. It's named after a famous long jump, but it was probably not made by Earl Randolph. Instead, it was likely made by someone he was chasing, Alastair Comyn.
The Darnaway Estate has many acres of beautiful forests. You can learn more about the story of Randolph's Leap at the River Findhorn Heritage Centre. Darnaway Castle is still lived in today.
