May thou sink in sin - The medieval Scottish castle (Summer term) (HIS 22)

  • Day and time: Tuesday 11:20 - 12:20
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 1 term. Summer (8 Weeks)
  • Number of places: 30
  • Start date: 26 April 2022
  • Description:

    Visit the place where Macbeth really died. Tour the tower house of Threave, built by Archibald 'The Grim' Douglas. Find out why Edinburgh Castle was cursed to 'sink in sin' after its infamous Black Dinner - inspiration for the 'Red Wedding' scene in Game of Thrones. Scotland's castles can entertain and inform. They tell tales full of human interest, but they also reflect the country's history - and can even cast light on the roots of Scottish nationalism in our own time. This course, illustrated with photos and maps, will explore both of these themes and tease out from the country's history why it was that Scotland developed an architectural castle style unique in Europe - and then stuck with it for three centuries, long after other countries had ceased to fortify their houses.

    Please click HERE for handouts

  • Format: Lecture

  • Tutor: Thomas Wilkie
  • During lockdown, I rediscovered on my bookshelves one of the standard works on Scotland's castles, rekindling my boyhood interest. This course aims to inform and entertain, with relevance to today.


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