Inverness in Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Great Hall
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
1. The Great Hall Marker
This was where Urquhart's lord or his constable entertained guests and showed off their wealth and status. It was also where they administered justice and local government. The Venue
Look above the ruined cellars for the holes into which massive timber beams once slotted. They supported the wooden floor of the hall, while the large block of masonry carried the hearth.
The mighty Comyn family built the hall in the late 1200s. The great chamber to its left was added in the early 1300s, probably as a private apartment for the lord and his family After the Party
The hall was replaced by a less substantial building in the early 1400s, probably after being wrecked in an attack. The great chamber and kitchens were abandoned at this time.
Did You Know …
Some of the most powerful figures in medieval Scotland dined in the great hall. In 1342 Robert Lauder, Urquhart’s constable, entertained King David II, son of Robert the Bruce, William Earl of Ross and the bishops of Moray and Ross among others.
‘They brocht breid to the buird and braun of ane bair and the worthyest wyne went upon hicht.’
[brocht breid: brought bread; buird: table;
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( photo captions )
- Below: A drink in each hand.
- Right: The Lord and his guests used water poured from this bronze ewer to clean their hands before dining. It was probably made in the Netherlands in the 1400s.
Left: An artist's impression of the great hall in the mid-1300s, based in part on evidence from other castles.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1342.
Location. 57° 19.454′ N, 4° 26.489′ 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 Chapel (a few steps from this marker); The Great Raid of 1545 (a few steps from this marker); The Great Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Loch Ness and the Great Glen (within shouting distance of this marker); The Grant Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); The Service Close
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
2. The Great Hall Marker
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.)
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 144 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
