Posts Tagged: Castle Fraser

Aberdeenshire Castles

 

Aberdeenshire Castles on Royal Deeside & Upper Donside

All Aberdeenshire Castles & map images copyright Bill Bagsgaw photography, all rights reserved

Click here to find information about Aberdeenshire castles or click on each castle image below

 

Map of Aberdeenshire Castles (Royal Deeside & Upper Donside) © Bill Bagshaw

Location map of Castles on Royal Deeside and Upper Donside. Your guide to Aberdeenshire Castles www.dsider.co.uk online magazine, Bill Bagshaw photography courses and clinics (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, www.dsider.co.uk)

Balmoral Castle © Bill Bagshaw                                                                                      Schottische Schlösser

Balmoral Castle is the private residence of The Queen on Royal Deeside. It was purchased by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1852. Balmoral is one of only a few Royal properties that is owned by The Monarch rather than the state. www.dSider.co.uk whats on Ballater guide.Copyright Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Castle Fraser © Bill Bagshaw

Castle Fraser, dates back to 1575 and is a superb example of a Scottish baronial tower built on a Z plan. Two wings project to form a courtyard. Castle Fraser was home to two different branches of the Fraser clan. www.dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses. Photography by Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Craigievar Castle © Bill Bagshaw

Craigievar Castle has a fairytale look to it, featuring many turrets and gargoyles. Built on the L plan it was comleted in 1626. Originally Craigievar Castle was surrounded by 4 round courtyard towers, only one of which remains. During the first world war it was used as a hospital for wounded Belgian soldiers. dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses Photography by Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Ruined Turret © Bill Bagshaw

Royal Deeside is full of fascinating ruins. Here is a view inside a ruined turret where there would originally have been a spiral staircase. www.dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses Photography by Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Crathes Castle © Bill Bagshaw

Crathes Castle was built on land donated in 1323 by King Robert the Bruce. The original castle was a fortress of timber built upon a bog known as a "crannog". Work on the current L shaped castle began in 1553. A walled garden is a prominent feature of the grounds. www.dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses Photography by Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Braemar Castle © Bill Bagshaw

Genuine Jacobite sword and authentic clothing worn at Braemar Castle by a member of Crann Tara, a group dedicated to preserving Scottish history and heritage. dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses Photography by Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Kildrummy Castle © Bill Bagshaw

Kildrummy Castle was built in a shield shape. The ruin is one of the largest 13th century castles remaining in Scotland, and was once a magnificent Scottish fortress. Kildrummy Castle is the scene of sieges and battles, it dates back to the 13th century being beseiged in 1306 and 1335. Robert the Bruce sent his family there to protect them from the English. Gory history tells of a traitorous blacksmith who set fire to the castle and was rewarded in gold for his treason; by having molten gold poured down his throat. The castle was abandoned during the Jacobite revolution by the Earl of Mar who fled to France. www.dsider.co.uk whats on Strathdon guide Photography by Bill Bagshaw (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, www.dsider.co.uk)

Glenbuchat Castle © Bill Bagshaw

Glenbuchat Castle was the home of several branches of the Gordon clan built on a Z plan in 1590 on high ground above the River Don. Glenbuchat Castle was built for John Gordon a hero of the Jacobite rebellions. www.dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Drum Castle © Bill Bagshaw

Drum Castle features a very old medieval 13th century keep (seen to the right of the image) The keep is the oldest in Scotland and is joined onto a Jacobean mansion house dating back to 1619. There are also Victorian additions to the castle. The chieftains banner is shown flying from the keep. Photography by Bill Bagshaw www.dsider.co.uk online magazine, photography courses (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, www.dsider.co.uk)

 

Castle Fraser Jousting Tournament

 

Castle Fraser awoke to battles between ancient warriors on 20th July 2013

dsider.co.uk online magazine, photo courses (Bill Bagshaw & Martin Williams/Bill Bagshaw, dsider.co.uk)

Castle Fraser Jousting Tournament

Castle Fraser Jousting Tournament used to be an annual event, but no longer takes place every year.

The Tournament features  re-enactments of  battles and jousting tournaments. This is taken very seriously indeed by the participants who ensure their equipment is authentic.  The re-enactors are actually fighting for points in their own “league”.   There is great attention to detail during the Tournament.  Many combatants manufacture their own equipment.

Castle Fraser Steam Fair is another event at the Castle earlier in the year.