Wemyss Castle facts for kids
Wemyss Castle (say it like "weems") is a historic castle in Wemyss, Scotland. It sits high on the sea cliffs between the villages of East Wemyss and West Wemyss in Fife. This amazing castle has been home to the Earls of Wemyss and their families for centuries.
Contents
The Story of Wemyss Castle
Building a Stronghold
Wemyss Castle was built a long time ago, in 1421. Sir John Wemyss decided to build a new, strong castle. This was after an earlier family castle was destroyed in 1402. So, Wemyss Castle became the main home for the important Wemyss family.
Famous Visitors and Royal Meetings
Wemyss Castle has seen many important people. One of the most famous events happened on February 17, 1565. This is when Mary, Queen of Scots, met her future husband, Lord Darnley, at the castle.
Later, in May 1590, some Danish visitors came to the castle. They were there to check on lands given to Anne of Denmark. She was the queen and wife of King James VI of Scotland. These lands were a special "morning gift" to her.
A Royal Escape
In April 1591, King James VI had a young woman named Lilias Ruthven stay at Wemyss Castle. He wanted to stop her from marrying Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox. But Lennox managed to help her escape from the castle! They got married in Dunkeld. After about ten days, the king allowed them to return to court.
In 1592, Sir John Wemyss of Wemyss offered a safe place at the castle. He helped Margaret Winstar, a lady-in-waiting to the queen. Her partner had been involved in a plan against the king.
A Village for Miners
In the 1890s, a village called Coaltown of Wemyss was built nearby. This village was created on land belonging to Wemyss Castle. It was built to house the miners who worked in the local coal mines.
Castle Design and Features
Wemyss Castle is a very impressive building. It stands tall on the cliffs, looking out over the Firth of Forth.
Unique Castle Structures
One interesting part of the castle is an old tower. This tower was once used as a windmill. Later, it became a dovecote, a place to keep pigeons. The castle also has a special oval-shaped dungeon. This dungeon is connected to the main building by a long, winding passage.
Modern Day Residence
Wemyss Castle was carefully fixed up in the 1950s. It is still a home today! Even members of the Royal Family, including the Queen, have visited this historic place.
The Green Lady Ghost
Like many old Scottish castles, some people believe Wemyss Castle has a ghost. It is said to be a "Green Lady." In old Scottish stories, the color green was sometimes thought to bring bad luck.
Sightings and Stories
The ghost at Wemyss Castle is said to be a young woman. She wears a long, flowing green silk dress. People say they can hear her dress rustle as she floats through the castle corridors. A news report from 2007 suggested that people had not seen the Green Lady as much in recent years.
Images for kids
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Wemyss Castle from the foreshore.
