Duns Castle facts for kids
Duns Castle is a historic house located near the town of Duns in Berwickshire, Scotland. The oldest part of the castle is a strong tower, called a Pele Tower, which is believed to have been built around 1320. This tower and most of the other buildings on the property are protected as important historical sites.
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History of Duns Castle
The early history of Duns Castle is not very well known. A tower was built here in 1320 on land given to Thomas Randolph, 1st Earl of Moray by King Robert the Bruce. Some historians think that the English might have destroyed this tower in the 1500s, possibly during a conflict called the Rough Wooing in 1545. At that time, the nearby town of Duns was also burned down. Parts of the castle that are thought to be from this period actually seem to date from the 1400s or 1500s.
After Thomas Randolph died in 1332, the castle and its lands likely went to Patrick V, Earl of March. Later, after the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333, King Edward III of England gave the land to Thomas de Bradestan. The castle changed owners many times after that.
Important Events at the Castle
During the First Bishops' War in 1639, General Alexander Leslie, 1st Earl of Leven stayed at Duns Castle. His army was camped nearby, stopping the English from moving into Scotland. Neither side wanted to fight, so they started talks. These talks led to the Pacification of Berwick, which ended the war.
In 1670, Sir James Cockburn of Cockburn bought the estate and the town of Duns. Then, in 1698, the castle was sold to William Hay of Drummelzier. He was the son of John Hay, 1st Marquess of Tweeddale. The castle has stayed with the Hay family ever since.
Changes to the Castle's Design
The original tower is thought to have been included in the castle as it grew into an L-shaped building. The castle was changed shortly after the Hay family bought it. It was changed again between 1791 and 1798 by an architect named John Baxter.
Later, from 1818 to 1822, the house was completely changed into a Gothic-style castle by architect James Gillespie Graham. The beautiful wooden carvings inside were made by a famous sculptor, Sir John Steell, when he was learning his craft.
Nature and Park Areas
Duns Castle has a park that is open to the public. There are also two man-made lakes, called the Hen Poo and the smaller Mill Dam. These lakes and the surrounding area form the Duns Castle nature reserve, which is a great place to see wildlife.
Current Use of Duns Castle
Today, Duns Castle and its other buildings can be rented for special events like weddings and company gatherings. There are also places for guests to stay overnight.
Haunted Stories
Some people say that Alexander Hay, who died in the famous Battle of Waterloo, still haunts Duns Castle.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Duns para niños
