Dundaff Castle, Stirling facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dundaff Castle |
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 Dundaff Castle
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| Coordinates | 56°02′50″N 4°07′07″W / 56.047288°N 4.1186451°W |
| Site information | |
| Condition | ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 12th century |
Dundaff Castle, also known as Sir John de Graham Castle or Graham's Castle, is a very old castle in ruins located in the Stirling area of Scotland. It was built around the 12th century. This castle was once the main home and center of power for a large area called the Barony of Dundaff.
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What Was Dundaff Castle?
Dundaff Castle was a type of early castle known as a motte and bailey castle. Imagine a big mound of earth (the "motte") with a wooden tower on top. Below this mound was a fenced-off area (the "bailey") where people lived and worked. This design was common for castles built a long time ago.
Why Was Dundaff Castle Important?
Castles like Dundaff were important because they helped control the land. They were strongholds where powerful families lived. They also served as a place to defend against enemies. Dundaff Castle was the main seat of power for the Barony of Dundaff. This meant it was the most important place in that region.
Who Lived at Dundaff Castle?
Records show that a knight named Sir David de Graham owned the Barony of Dundaff in the year 1237. This means his family likely lived at or controlled Dundaff Castle.
Sir John de Graham's Connection
The castle is also linked to another famous knight, Sir John de Graham. He was a brave Scottish warrior. Sir John de Graham is known for fighting alongside William Wallace during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He sadly died in battle at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. Some people believe Dundaff Castle was his personal tower, a type of small, strong castle called a peel tower.
What Does Dundaff Castle Look Like Today?
Today, Dundaff Castle is mostly a ruin. This means that much of the original structure has fallen apart over hundreds of years. However, even as ruins, these old castles help us learn about history. They show us how people lived and fought long ago in Scotland.
