Hallyards Castle facts for kids
Hallyards Castle is an old ruined castle near the village of Auchtertool in Scotland. Its name, Hall yairds, means "the yards at the hall". People believe it was once a hunting lodge for King Malcolm Canmore. Later, it became a home for the Bishops of Dunkeld from the Catholic Church. This lasted until 1539, when a person who was not a church official took ownership.
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A Castle with a Story
Hallyards Castle was very important in its area. Many exciting and serious events happened there.
Key Events at Hallyards
When Sir James Kirkcaldy owned the castle, it saw some major moments in Scottish history.
Royal Visits and Important Talks
The famous historian John Knox wrote about these events. He said that King James V visited Hallyards just before he died. It's also thought that people might have talked about the murder of Cardinal Beaton inside the castle walls.
The Reformation Crisis
During the time of the Scottish Reformation, there was fighting at Hallyards. French soldiers fought against Scottish nobles called the Lords of the Congregation. William Kirkcaldy, a member of the Kirkcaldy family, fought for the Scottish reformers.
Castle Destruction
After French troops blew up the castle, Mary of Guise, the Queen Regent of Scotland, reportedly said, "Where is now John Knox's God? My God is now stronger than his, yea, even in Fife". In February 1560, it was reported that the castle was "clean overthrown," meaning it was completely destroyed. William Kirkcaldy later got revenge on a French captain and his soldiers.
Royal Tour of Fife
In December 1566, after Prince James was baptized at Stirling Castle, the Earl of Moray took the English ambassador, the Earl of Bedford, on a tour of Fife. They made sure to visit Hallyards Castle during their trip.
Later Years and New Names
Over time, Hallyards Castle changed owners many times. It belonged to families like the Boswells, Forbes, and Skenes. Eventually, it was owned by the Earls of Moray.
The Name Camilla
The castle's name was changed to Camilla. Many people believe this was to honor a countess with that name. However, no Countess of Moray named Camilla is recorded in history. Still, the name Camilla is well-known in Auchtertool today.
The Castle's Decline
The Earls of Moray lived far away from Hallyards. Because of this, the castle was not used much and slowly fell into disrepair. In 1819, a member of the Skene family visited and found it in a very ruined state. Most of the great castle was torn down in 1847.
Hallyards Castle Today
Today, you can still find the remains of Hallyards Castle. They are located on farmland to the north-west of Auchtertool village.
