Saddell Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saddell Castle |
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| Saddell, Kintyre, Scotland | |
Saddell Castle
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 Saddell Castle
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| Coordinates | 55°31′37″N 5°30′23″W / 55.5270°N 5.5063°W |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Landmark Trust |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Stone |
Saddell Castle is an old castle from the 1500s. It stands by the sea in Scotland, near a place called Saddell. This castle was very important to the MacDonald family for hundreds of years. Many MacDonald family members from all over the world still visit it today. They come to see this special place in West Scotland.
The castle is a type of building called a tower house. It was built near the spot where the ancient hero Somerled was buried. Somerled was the first leader of the MacDonald clan. Many MacDonald lords lived at Saddell Castle over the years. It even gave shelter to Robert the Bruce for more than a year. This happened during the First War of Scottish Independence, a big fight for Scotland's freedom.
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Discover Saddell Castle's Past
Saddell Castle was built between 1508 and 1512. A man named David Hamilton, who was a bishop, built it. He used stones from the old, ruined Saddell Abbey to construct the castle.
Castle Changes Hands
In 1556, Bishop James Hamilton gave the castle away. He gave it to James Hamilton, 2nd Earl of Arran. This was done to pay off some money he owed.
Later, the Earl of Arran had to trade the castle. He exchanged it with James MacDonald, the chief of the Clan MacDonald of Dunnyveg. In return, James MacDonald gave up his lands on the Isle of Arran. Saddell Castle then became one of the main homes for the MacDonald family in Scotland.
English Capture and Rebuilding
In 1558, the castle was captured. Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, who was an English leader in Ireland, took it over. He was following orders from Queen Mary I of England. This happened because James MacDonald had been involved in fights against the English in Ireland.
After being captured, MacDonald lords rebuilt Saddell Castle. They made it bigger and added a secret trap door. This trap door was in the main entrance. If someone unwanted stepped on it, they would fall into a dungeon. This dungeon had no way out!
Later Years and Modern Use
In 1607, King James VI gave the MacDonald lands in Kintyre, including Saddell, to Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll. Over time, the castle started to fall apart. This happened especially after Saddell House was built around 1774.
Today, the Landmark Trust owns Saddell Castle. They bought and fixed it up. Now, people can rent it as a place to stay for their holidays. You might have even seen it in a music video! The castle appeared in Paul McCartney's famous song, "Mull of Kintyre." The Campbeltown Pipe Band marched along the beach in the video, which became a Christmas number one song in 1977.
People from the Clan Donald (the MacDonald family) still visit Saddell Castle every year. They come to remember its important place in Scottish history.
