Duncarron facts for kids
Duncarron is a special village in Scotland. It's a modern copy of a fortified village from the early Middle Ages. This village shows what a Scottish clan chief's home might have looked like a long time ago.
A group called The Clanranald Trust for Scotland supports Duncarron. This is a nonprofit organization led by Charlie Allan. Duncarron is located in the Carron Valley, close to Stirling. Many volunteers help build this medieval village. Their goal is to share and protect Scottish culture and heritage. They do this through learning, hands-on activities, and fun events.
How Duncarron Started
In 1995, people decided to build a real medieval village. They wanted to show what life and culture were like in Scotland back then. The Clanranald Trust was set up to help. Money for the project came from different activities and donations. Groups like Combat International and the Scottish Federation of Medieval Martial Arts also helped. So far, over £1,900,000 has been raised to build Duncarron.
Planning for the village began in 1996. Experts like archaeologists, historians, and architects helped. They made sure the village would look very real. At the same time, they looked for the perfect spot. They found it in the Carron Valley.
A famous film actor, Russell Crowe, gave a lot of support. He is a good friend of Charlie Allan. Russell Crowe gave the village a battering ram from his film Robin Hood. This prop was worth £60,000. It is nicknamed Rosie and has been on display at Duncarron since 2010. The village had a grand opening on May 18 and 19, 2019.
What Duncarron Looks Like
Building work at Duncarron started in 2004. First, they built a visitor center and places for volunteers. In August 2011, the Palisade (a strong fence of wooden stakes) was finished. The Longhouse was completed in September 2012.
There are plans for more buildings. These include a Chief's house and a Roundhouse (a circular dwelling). They also plan another Gatehouse, a Forge (for metalwork), and a medieval kitchen. This kitchen will have a herb garden. A motte and bailey (a type of castle) is also planned. These are all typical parts of a clan chief's home.
As of 2025, work continues on two smaller houses. They are called 'Louden House' and 'Chiptin House'. A 10-meter tall lookout tower is also being built. This tower is named 'Crowe Tower' after Russell Crowe.
Duncarron offers many activities for visitors. They have special events and tours. You can even enjoy medieval banquets there. It is also a place for filming movies and TV shows. People can even have weddings and other ceremonies at Duncarron.
Photographs
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Model of Duncarron
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Aerial photograph of Duncarron (status 2008)
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Aerial photograph of Duncarron with the Carron-Valley-Reservoir in background (status 2008)
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Palisades (status 2011)
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Palisade of the Clan-Chiefs area (status 2011)
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Russell Crowe as a guest by Charlie Allan in Duncarron (2011)
See also
- Guédelon a 13th-century château built in France since 1996
- Campus Galli a Carolingian monastery built in Germany since 2013
