Inverness in Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Gatehouse
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
1. The Gatehouse Marker
Attackers had to negotiate the rock-cut ditch that was crossed by a drawbridge you can see where its pillars once fitted, either side of the modern bridge.
They Shall Not Pass
The entrance passage was blocked by an iron portcullis that was lowered from above along deep slots or 'chases' in the stonework.
Dealing With Intruders
Rocks and other projectiles could be dropped through 'murder holes' in the wooden ceiling onto the heads of anyone who got past the portcullis. The way ahead was further blocked by two heavy gates.
These defences withstood many sieges, including an assault in 1334, when Urquhart was one of just five Scottish castles to hold out against an English invasion.
( photo captions )
- Left: An artist's impression of the gatehouse being prepared for action in the 1300s.
- Above: A crossbow could fire a bolt like this through plate armour.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1334.
Location. 57° 19.456′ N, 4° 26.529′ W. Marker is in Inverness, Scotland, in Highland. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Destroying the Gatehouse (here, next to this marker); The Great Raid of 1545 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Chapel (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stables (within shouting distance of this marker); The Service Close (within shouting distance of this marker); The New Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Inverness.
Also see . . .
1. Urquhart Castle. (Submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Urquhart Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
2. The Gatehouse Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
3. The Entrance to Urquhart Castle
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 138 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
