Delgatie Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Delgatie Castle |
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The castle in 2006
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Delgatie Castle is a historic castle located near Turriff in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It's a fascinating place with a long history, perfect for exploring!
People have lived on the site of Delgatie Castle since around the year 1030. However, the oldest parts of the castle you see today were built much later, between 1570 and 1579. More sections, including a small chapel, were added in 1743.
The castle has seen many important events. After the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, the castle was taken from Henry de Beaumont. It was then given to the Clan Hay, a powerful Scottish family. Even Mary, Queen of Scots, visited the castle in 1562 after the Battle of Corrichie. Imagine her walking through these very halls!
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Is Delgatie Castle Haunted?
Like many old castles, Delgatie Castle has its own ghost stories! People say a red-haired ghost, believed to be Alexander Hay, roams the castle. Soldiers staying there during the Second World War reported seeing this ghostly figure.
The castle's own information boards, written by Captain Hay who restored the castle in the 1950s, mention the ghost. The story goes that the ghost first appeared when a body was discovered hidden in a secret room within the castle walls. Spooky!
What Does Delgatie Castle Look Like?
Delgatie Castle is made up of a main tower, called a keep, along with an attached house and two newer sections. One special feature is a very wide spiral staircase, which is quite impressive.
The castle also has amazing painted ceilings from the 1500s. These beautiful artworks are in two of the rooms, one painted in 1592 and another in 1597. You can also spot the Hay family's coat of arms in many places. This includes three cattle yokes, which remind everyone of a farmer and his two sons. They helped defeat a group of Danish invaders at Cruden Bay long ago.
Visiting Delgatie Castle Today
Today, the Delgatie Castle Trust owns and looks after the castle and its gardens. You can visit the castle, its grounds, and a café during the summer months. It's a great place to learn about Scottish history.
If you want to stay longer, you can even rent rooms inside the castle or cottages on the estate. There's also a popular spot for fishing on the river that flows nearby.
Gallery
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Delgatie Castle in 2017
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Painted ceiling in Delgatie Castle
