Investigating History
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The dramatic ruins of the castle at Huntly reflect its turbulent INVESTIGATING history. Its inhabitants, the Gordons, were major players HUNTLY CASTLE on the Scottish political scene. Information for Teachers investigating historic sites huntly castle 2 The dramatic ruins of the castle at George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, Huntly reflect its turbulent history. known as the ‘cock of the north’, Timeline Its inhabitants, the Gordons, were was one of the wealthiest men in the Late 1100s First wooden major players on the Scottish north-east by the mid-16th century. He castle built by Earl political scene. At various times reworked the castle extensively in time Duncan razed, blown up, and flamboyantly for a visit by Marie of Guise in 1556. She 1314 Lands of embellished, the castle is still an was impressed by her lavish reception, Strathbogie granted to exciting place to visit. but was advised that the cock’s wings be Gordon family ‘clipped’ lest he become a threat. Early 1400s New stone Historical background tower house built Mary Queen of Scots found the The story of Huntly Castle begins in the opportunity to do this in 1562 when 1452 Castle burnt during late 12th century when Duncan, earl of she and Huntly clashed forces at the struggle between Crown Fife, built a castle at the strategic point and Black Douglas family battle of Corrichie. Huntly lost and the where the Bogie and Deveron rivers castle was looted. Further damage was c.1460 Tower house meet. This first structure was wooden, replaced by ‘palace’ to inflicted in 1594 when, following a built on a constructed mound (motte) south further rebellion, James VI blew up the and surrounded by an enclosed service old towerhouse. 1550 George, 4th Earl of area (bailey). Huntly, remodels palace The 6th earl was rewarded with the Just before Bannockburn in 1314, in 1556 Visit of Marie of title of Marquis of Huntly in 1597. Guise a poorly timed shift of loyalties, the He launched into a programme family switched their allegiance away 1562 Castle wrecked and of elaborate building works and from the crown for the first time. As a contents looted following decoration to create a home fit for his Battle of Corrichie punishment they forfeited the lands, new status. which were then given to Sir Adam 1594 Old towerhouse Gordon of Huntly in Berwickshire. In the 17th century the castle was blown up by James VI occupied by Covenanters and Charles 1597 1st Marquis repairs In the early 15th century a large stone II stayed briefly in 1650 on the way to and remodels palace tower house was built to replace the his coronation. Government troops earlier timber structure. Burnt during 1640 Palace occupied by occupied the castle during the 1745 Covenanters the struggles against the Black Douglas Jacobite rising but after this it became family in 1452, it was repaired and then 1650 Charles II visits on little more than a source of stone. It was way to coronation extended to include a new range on the taken into state care in 1923. south side, later known as the ‘palace’. 1745 Palace occupied by Government troops 1923 Taken into state care HISTORIC SCOTLAND education huntly castle 3 Supporting learning and teaching A visit to Huntly Castle is Before the visit Working on site particularly appropriate for teachers working on class • Help pupils gain a clearer grasp of When exploring the castle, pupils study topics such as: the time scale by making a time should be encouraged to look critically line with them, counting back the at what they see, and to make and test • The Middle Ages centuries and then marking on key theories based on physical evidence. • Castles events. This could be added to after Useful starting points are: the visit. The Curriculum for • Why do you think the castle was built Excellence aspires to • Discuss the organisation of life in here? What are its natural defences? motivate and challenge pupils a castle. Pupils could investigate • What materials were used to build through a wide range of the roles of these key ‘managers’: the castle? varied learning experiences. steward (in charge of the • What evidence is there for everyday Site visits have a particular household), constable (in charge of life ? role to play in joining up learning outcomes across the castle security), marshal (in charge • How has the castle changed over the curriculum. A visit, and use of of travel and communications). years? the supporting materials, will • Discuss with pupils all the different Pupils can record evidence by: help to: activities that would have gone on • develop successful • Taking notes. learners by challenging in a castle. Pupils could research • Sketching. pupils to consider how life different topics (e.g. food, travel, • Taking photographs. has changed for people. entertainment, weapons) to prepare It will help them to think them for the visit. • Recording impressions into a tape critically about evidence recorder. and arrive at their own • It is helpful if pupils have some of conclusions. the architectural terminology of On the Historic Scotland website: • develop confident castles as this makes discussing www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/ individuals. Pupils wilI on-site easier. Useful words might education_unit teachers can find learn about aspects of additional resources to help with work their community’s past, include: courtyard, chamber, on site. These include compiling an develop an understanding shield, coat of arms, archway, gun of social changes, establish loop, turnpike stair, motte, privy Evidence Record and My Impressions some of their own values beam. Pupils could produce a class Record. and communicate illustrated dictionary to explain their views on different Suggestions for follow-up work these terms historical and social issues. Following the visit pupils can pool their • develop responsible • Some children find it hard to findings in groups to create a fuller citizens. It will help to imagine that a castle was ever increase pupils’ social record of the castle and the lives of the anything other than a ruin. Discuss and historical knowledge people who lived and worked there. and understanding and how buildings change with age This could form the basis for a range of encourage greater respect – does the house they live in look presentation activities, for example: for their own historic and the same now as it did a few years built environment. ago? Has their family made any • A guide book or promotional leaflet • develop effective changes to the house? If so, why? for future visitors. contributors by Discuss how wind and weather • A slide show with commentary of broadening pupils’ knowledge and can affect the look of a building as their visit. well as the deliberate changes that understanding through • Imaginative writing based on the investigative, creative and people choose to make to buildings. lives of the inhabitants of the castle. critical thinking. • A series of drama sketches showing different snapshots of life in the castle through the ages. HISTORIC SCOTLAND education huntly castle 4 Plan of Huntly Castle On the trail of the Marquis of Huntly There is much to explore in this wonderful and well-preserved building. Our suggested tour route focuses on everyday life in the best-preserved part, Shop the palace, at the time of the Ist Marquis of Huntly (around 1600). It takes in eight key locations, marked on the plan to the right: 1 1. Outside the Palace: the South wall 2 8 2. Entrance to the Palace 3. In the Basement 4. The Kitchen 5. Steward’s Chamber 6. Lord Huntly’s Toilets Lodgings 7. Lady Huntly’s Lodgings 8. The Brewhouse and Bakehouse Background information is given in the pack for each location. It is written in simple language so Drawing of site that it can be read aloud to pupils if desired. Also included are 6 suggested questions for discussion.The focus is on encouraging pupils to interpret the building and deduce what they 7 4 can from clues they see around them. 5 Ideally divide your class into groups of about ten. Allow about an hour for 3 the suggested tour. Maps of palace HISTORIC SCOTLAND education huntly castle 5 Tour notes: On the trail of the Marquis of Huntly Setting the scene. This can be read to pupils. Let’s go back in time about four hundred years, to the early sixteen hundreds. Let’s imagine that we have been invited to this castle by our friend George Gordon. He is the 6th Earl of Huntly, and we call him Lord Huntly. But not long ago he was given a great honour by King James VI. He was given the important title of Marquis. He has recently been renovating his castle and we’ve heard he has spent a lot of money. Let’s go and have a look! Go through the gate by the castle shop. Walk straight ahead until you are facing the great south wall of the castle with the giant stone inscription at the top. Artist’s impression of castle in 1643 HISTORIC SCOTLAND education huntly castle 6 Location 1: Outside the palace – the South Wall Did you know... Background information for teachers: George’s father died • The Gordon family lived in this castle for about four hundred years. They often while playing football in added new parts of the castle, or changed and improved parts that were already 1576! Hope he scored there. George Gordon spent some time in France in the 1590s and picked up new ideas about decorating castles there. He added a lot of decoration to this wall. first... Teacher prompts Desired pupil responses Look up to the top of the wall.