Fedderate Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fedderate Castle |
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| New Deer, Aberdeenshire, Scotland | |
Fedderate Castle
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 Fedderate Castle
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| Coordinates | 57°32′19″N 2°10′26″W / 57.5386°N 2.1739°W |
| Type | L-Plan |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1257–15th century |
Fedderate Castle is an old, ruined castle found near New Deer in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Imagine a castle with a special bridge called a drawbridge and a raised path (a causeway) that were the only ways to get inside! Its walls are super tall, about 30 feet high, and really thick, around 6 feet wide. This made it a very strong place in the past.
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A Glimpse into Fedderate Castle's Past
Fedderate Castle has seen some exciting historical moments. It was often a place where people sought safety or fought important battles.
The Keith Family's Story
In December 1590, a man named Robert Keith had to quickly find shelter. He was the younger brother of a powerful noble, George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal. Robert had taken over Deer Abbey a few months earlier because of a disagreement about his family's inheritance. When he was forced out of the abbey, he fled to Fedderate Castle for safety.
The Jacobite Uprising
Later, in October 1690, Fedderate Castle became a key location during a time of conflict in Scotland. Lord William Oliphant and his "Jacobite" soldiers took control of the castle. The Jacobites were supporters of King James VII of Scotland (who was also James II of England) and wanted him to be king again.
The Jacobite forces at Fedderate Castle bravely held out against the army of General Hugh Mackay for more than three weeks. Eventually, they had to surrender, but their stand showed how strong the castle was.
A Protected Historic Site
Today, Fedderate Castle is recognized as a scheduled monument. This means it's a very important historical site that is protected by law. It helps us remember the past and learn about the history of Scotland.
