Inverness in Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Grant Tower
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
1. The Grant Tower Marker
The Grant Tower
This tower was built some time after King James IV gave Urquhart to John Grant of Freuchie in 1509. It was reward for supporting the monarch in his struggle against the MacDonald Lords of the Isles.
The King's Gift
Along with Urquhart, Grant was given an extensive estate. In return, the laird had to restore order to the area and repair the castle. He also had to provide the king with 15 horsemen in times of war.
Grant's son John died with James IV at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. In the chaos that followed, the MacDonalds attacked and occupied Urquhart for three years.
‘For the benefit of the state and progress and to have good order among the inhabitants and for making those obedient to our laws who in times past have been unruly and unlawful.’
James IV outlines John Grant's obligations, 1509.
A Scotsman's Home
Urquhart was no longer a strategic fortress when the Grants built their fortified residence on the base of the ruined donjon tower.
It was supposed to be a comfortable house. Nevertheless, Urquhart's lairds were often absent, staying in their other castles.
( photo captions )
- Above: Castle Grant, formerly Castle Freuchie, near Grantown-on-Spey, was the main home of the Grant family.
this page online
- Left: The gun holes found beneath some windows were probably more for show than for defence.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1509.
Location. 57° 19.47′ N, 4° 26.486′ W. Marker is in Inverness, Scotland, in Highland. Marker can be reached from Scotland Route A82, 3.7 kilometers south of River Enrick (Route A831), on the left when traveling south. Located at Urquhart Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Inverness, Scotland IV63 6XL, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Private Chamber (a few steps from this marker); The New Kitchen (a few steps from this marker); The Chapel (a few steps from this marker); The Great Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Raid of 1545 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gatehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Destroying the Gatehouse (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 Grant Tower Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
3. The Grant Tower Marker
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 240 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
