Thurso Castle facts for kids
Thurso Castle is a ruined castle from the 1800s. It is located in Thurso, a town in Caithness, which is part of the Scottish Highlands. You can see the castle ruins from across the River Thurso.
The castle you see today was mostly built in 1872. A large part of it was taken down in 1952. However, there has been a fort on this spot since the 1100s! Some parts of the castle are still lived in by the Viscounts Thurso.
The Story of Thurso Castle
The name Thurso means "Thor's River." It was named by the Vikings a long time ago. The first castle here was recorded around 1157. It was a home for the earls of Orkney and Caithness. This early castle was destroyed by a fire in the early 1500s.
A new building, sometimes called "The Arch," was built in 1665. It was put up by George Sinclair, 6th Earl of Caithness. Later, Sir John Sinclair, 1st Baronet owned the land. He built another structure designed like a castle. This building was made bigger in 1806 and again in 1835.
The castle you see as a ruin today was built in 1872. It was designed in a style called Victorian Gothic. A large part of this castle was taken down in 1952.
A famous visitor to the castle was former United States President, Ulysses S. Grant. He came to see it in 1877 during his trip around the world.
What Thurso Castle Looks Like
The castle that stood here before the current ruins was described as "the most ornamental piece of architecture in the north" in 1802. Today, the castle is a grand ruin. It reminds us of its beautiful Gothic style.
On the south side of the castle, there is a gatehouse. This building and a nearby lodge are still in good shape. On the north side, close to the river, you can see what is left of the north tower and a wing. There is also a well that is about 20 feet deep.
The Castle Grounds
Thurso Castle is built on a hilly area called Brown Hill. It is about half a mile east of Thurso town. The castle sits on a rock high above the Atlantic Ocean.
About a mile northeast of the castle is Harald Tower. This tower was built in 1780. It was used as a burial place for the Sinclair family, who owned Thurso Castle.
