Forfar Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forfar Castle |
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 Forfar Castle
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| Coordinates | 56°38′46″N 2°53′24″W / 56.646°N 2.890°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 11th century |
Forfar Castle was an old castle from the 11th century. It was located just west of the town of Forfar in Scotland. This castle was very important in Scottish history. It served as a key place for Scottish kings.
Forfar Castle's Story
Forfar Castle was a special place for Scottish kings. It was likely surrounded by water, making it a strong defense. Kings like Malcolm III, William I, and Alexander II used it. They used it as a royal castle, which meant it belonged to the king.
A Royal Stronghold
King Malcolm III used Forfar Castle for an important reason. He gathered his army there to fight off invaders from Denmark. This shows how important the castle was for protecting Scotland. It was a safe base for the king's forces.
Battles for Control
Later, the castle faced many challenges. It was taken over by the English king, Edward I of England. He visited the castle in 1296. English soldiers then stayed there to guard it.
However, the Scots fought back. In 1306, King Robert I of Scotland captured the castle. He then ordered it to be burned down. This was a common way to stop enemies from using a castle.
The English rebuilt Forfar Castle. But the Scots wanted it back. On Christmas Day in 1308, Scottish fighters attacked. They were led by a brave man named Philp the Forester. They recaptured the castle and defeated the English soldiers inside.
The Castle's End
After being rebuilt and destroyed many times, the castle faced its final end. It was destroyed again in 1313. By the 1330s, people had stopped using it. The castle was left to fall apart.
Today, you cannot see any parts of Forfar Castle above the ground. Even by the 1600s, only small pieces of it remained. The castle is now just a memory of Scotland's past.
