Inverness in Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Urquhart the Defiant
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
1. Urquhart the Defiant Marker
A New Castle
This is the oldest part of the castle, perhaps built in the 1220s by the Durward family. The citadel's stone walls may have sat on earlier Pictish fortifications.
Alan Durward, King Alexander I's capable right-hand man, administered his new estate and met with local leaders in the castle. His presence at Urquhart helped extend royal power into the Highlands.
The Struggle for Scotland
The castle was surrendered to the English in 1296 when the vast army of King Edward I swept through the country. Soon back in Scottish hands, it became renowned as a stronghold that the invaders could not capture by force.
Urquhart had been greatly strengthened before the Wars of Independence by the mighty Comyn family who took it over in the 1270s. The Comyns were staunch supporters of King John Balliol and helped lead the resistance to the English until they were crushed by their rival, Robert the Bruce.
Siege and Sacrifice
Urquhart was besieged by another English army in 1303. Its heroic constable, Alexander de Forbes was slain while leading a
this page online
( photo captions )
- King Edward I of England
- King John Balliol of Scotland
- Above: Arrowheads unearthed in the castle.
- Above: A replica of a 'knight's jug' with a fragment of the original decorated medieval tableware that was discarded here.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1296.
Location. 57° 19.424′ N, 4° 26.563′ 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. A Castle for All Seasons (a few steps from this marker); Doocot (within shouting distance of this marker); Ghosts of Urquhart’s Past (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stables (within shouting distance of this marker); The Water Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Service Close (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Kitchen
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
2. Urquhart the Defiant Marker
Also see . . .
1. Urquhart Castle. (Submitted on December 10, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Urquhart Castle on Wikipedia. (Submitted on December 10, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 253 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
