Rathlin Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rathlin Castle |
|
|---|---|
| Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland | |
 Rathlin Castle
|
|
| Coordinates | 55°17′50″N 6°10′09″W / 55.297222°N 6.169167°W |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruin |
Rathlin Castle, also known as Bruce's Castle, was an old castle located on Rathlin Island. This island is just off the coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Today, only ruins of the castle remain.
Contents
The Castle's Story: A Look Back in Time
Who Built Rathlin Castle?
Rathlin Castle was likely built a very long time ago, in the early 1200s. A powerful person named John de Courcy probably had it constructed. Over the years, the castle changed hands many times. In 1213, it was given to Donnchad mac Gilla Brigte. Then, just two years later, it went to the de Lacy family. Later in that same century, the Bissett family took ownership of the castle.
King Robert the Bruce's Hideout
In 1306, a famous Scottish king, King Robert I of Scotland (also known as Robert the Bruce), faced some tough times. He had been defeated in two battles. After these losses, he decided to find a safe place to hide for the winter.
He chose Rathlin Castle. He stayed there with a small group of his most loyal friends and family. This group included his brothers, James Douglas, and other important people. The Bissett family, who owned the island and castle, welcomed them. Because they helped King Robert, the English later took the castle away from the Bissett family.
A Sad Event at Rathlin Island
In July 1575, a very sad event happened at Rathlin Castle. English forces, led by commanders like Francis Drake and John Norreys, attacked the castle. They used cannons to break down its defenses.
The people inside the castle, who were mostly from the MacDonnell family, eventually gave up. After they surrendered, a terrible event occurred. Most of the castle's defenders and many of the island's residents were killed. This sad day is known as the Rathlin Island Massacre.
The main MacDonnell army, led by Sorley Boy MacDonnell, watched this happen from nearby Ballycastle. Their families and valuable items had been sent to Rathlin Island for safety. Seeing what happened, Sorley Boy led his army in a successful attack on Carrickfergus. This was the place where the English raid on Rathlin Island had started.
