Inverness in Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Stables
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
1. The Stables Marker
Carrying a Heavy Load
Riding horses or ‘coursours' carried nobles; pack horses or 'capills' — from the Gaelic capall — hauled loads and pulled carts; ‘aivers' dragged ploughs.
When Urquhart's lord and lady set off on a journey, 'capills' carried their household belongings, even their beds. The famously strong Highland horse or 'garron' — from the Gaelic gearran — was well suited to the task.
Stop the Cavalry
A medieval knight needed a powerful warhorse. But in the rugged Highland terrain, cavalry was vulnerable to Gaelic warriors, who preferred to fight on foot.
Did You Know …
Most medieval horses in Scotland were the height of modern ponies. Robert the Bruce supposedly 'raid apon a litill palfray' at the Battle of Bannockburn — "palfrey' later meant a lady's riding horse. Strength and bulk were more important than height.
( photo captions )
- Above: A spur from the 1300s or 1400s, used to guide a horse. A man 'won his spurs' when he became a knight.
- Left: An artist's impression of a stable boy holding a noblewoman's
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 57° 19.434′ N, 4° 26.534′ 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. Ghosts of Urquhart’s Past (a few steps from this marker); Doocot (a few steps from this marker); The Service Close (within shouting distance of this marker); The Water Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Kitchen (within shouting distance of this marker); Urquhart the Defiant (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Raid of 1545 (within shouting distance of this marker); A Castle for All Seasons (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 Stables Marker
Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 26, 2018
3. The Stables Area of 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 147 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 9, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
