Ormond Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ormond Castle |
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| near Avoch, Highland, Scotland | |
Ormond Hill where Ormond Castle once stood
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| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | c. 13th century |
Ormond Castle, also known as Avoch Castle, was a strong fortress in Scotland. It stood high above the village of Avoch on the Black Isle. This castle was in the area now known as Highland. Its location was very important. It watched over the Moray Firth, which is a sea inlet. This allowed the castle to control who could reach Inverness by sea.
Contents
Castle Beginnings: Ormond's Early Days
Ormond Castle was first built around the late 1100s. It was later rebuilt between 1200 and 1214. William the Lion, who was the King of Scotland, made it a royal fortress. He rebuilt it as a strong rectangular castle. It had square towers at each corner, which was a common style at the time.
The De Moravia Family Takes Over
By the 1200s, the castle was owned by the de Moravia family. They were powerful lords from Petty. Ormond Castle became their main base. From here, they ruled their huge lands across the area called Moray.
A famous person from this family was Andrew de Moravia. He gathered soldiers from Moray at Ormond Castle. This happened when King John Balliol faced problems with Edward I of England. This event was at the start of the Wars of Scottish Independence. These wars were a long fight for Scotland's freedom. Later, Sir Andrew Murray, another important leader, died at the castle in 1338.
The Douglas Family's Control
The de Moravia family's lands eventually passed to Joanna of Bothwell. In 1362, she married Archibald the Grim. He was a powerful Scottish lord. Because of his marriage, he gained control of Ormond Castle. The castle was the main seat of the Barony of Ormonde.
In 1445, the title of Earl of Ormonde was created. This title went to Hugh Douglas, Earl of Ormonde. He was the third son of James Douglas, 7th Earl of Douglas. However, the powerful Black Douglas family lost their influence. This happened after the Battle of Arkinholm in 1455. Hugh Douglas was executed, and his properties were taken by the crown. Ormond Castle then went to George Douglas, 4th Earl of Angus. He was a relative of the Black Douglases but also their enemy.
The title of Earl of Ormonde was used again in 1651. But it ended when Archibald Douglas, 3rd Earl of Ormonde died in 1715. He passed away from injuries he got during the Battle of Sheriffmuir.
The Munro Family's Ownership
From 1560 to 1568, David Chalmers, Lord Ormond owned the castle. But he supported Mary, Queen of Scots. This forced him to leave Scotland in 1568. He had to sell Ormond Castle and the nearby lands.
In 1568, Andrew Munro, 5th of Milntown bought Ormond Castle. He also bought the lands of Suddie and Avoch.
Ormond Castle's Destruction
Ormond Castle was destroyed in the 1650s. This happened during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was a powerful English leader. He ordered the castle to be pulled down. He used its stones to help build a new fortress in Inverness. Today, only small ruins of Ormond Castle remain.
