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Castles and Historic Buildings of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland

 Castles of Scotland - Cawdor Castle






Map by mapchart.net - Some rights reserved.


Location
near Inverness, Highland, Scotland

Description
Cawdor Castle is a tower house in the parish of Cawdor, about 10 miles east of Inverness and 5 miles southwest of Nairn. The castle has evolved over 600 years. Additions made in the 17th century were all built with slated roofs and crow-stepped gables. The castle has beautiful gardens, including a walled garden originally planted in the 17th Century. Cawdor Castle is open to the public from Spring through Autumn.

History
The earliest documented date for the castle is 1454, although some parts of the castle have been dated to about 1380. The original castle was a large tower (or keep). The castle was built around a small, living holly tree, the remains of which can still be seen in the lowest level of the tower. Significant additions made to the castle in the 17th century and 19th century. The iron yett here was brought from nearby Lochindorb Castle around 1455 after Lochindorb had been forfeited by the Earl of Moray.

The Arts
Cawdor Castle is best known for its connection to William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. However the castle was built many years after the events of the play.


Other Castles in the Area
  Blervie Castle, Moray
  Brodie Castle, Moray
  Castle Stuart, Highland
  Dalcross Castle, Highland
  Inverness Castle, Highland
  Kilravock Castle, Highland
  Lochindorb Castle, Highland







Lochindorb Castle
Cawdor Castle

Photograph by David Dixon. Some rights reserved.  (view image details)

Lochindorb Castle
Cawdor Castle from the north east

Photograph by Dr Richard Murray. Some rights reserved.  (view image details)

Lochindorb Castle
Cawdor Castle gardens

Photograph by Dr Richard Murray. Some rights reserved.  (view image details)

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