Huntingtower Castle, Perth (Scotland)
Huntingtower Castle is located approximately 2 miles from Perth city centre on the A85 to Crieff. In front of the building there’s a car park and the Huntingtower Hotel is around the corner.
The castle dates back to the 15th century and originally it consisted of two separated towers that were then linked during the 1600s. In 1565, hosted by Patrick – 3rd Lord Ruthven - Mary Queen of Scots honeymooned with her second husband Lord Darnley.
Would you expect that in ten years later Patrick itself would have been involved in the murder of Mary Queen of Scots’ secretary, David Rizzio, at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh?
In 1582 James VI, son of Mary Queen, was held captive in Huntingtower Castle by William Ruthven as part of a political conspiracy. After its fail, the King condamned Ruthven family to forfeit the estate that became property of the Murrays.
The tour inside the fortress permits to explore the remainings of the rooms - where today “live” different species of bats - and especially the painted ceiling and plasterwork from 1540.
Then you can reach the roof and learn about the so-called Maiden’s Leap, the space between the towers in which a secret love story took place.
For more information about Perth (Scotland):
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Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland video of photographs of Huntingtower Castle, Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle is also known as The House of Ruthven, Huntingtower Castle comprises two fine and complete tower houses. The hall of the eastern tower has a fine painted ceiling.
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Scotland Tour Guide: Sandy Stevenson
Summer Drive To Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland video of a Summer drive over the old bridge and through the city of Perth to Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perthshire. This Scottish castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767.
Ground Floor Eastern Tower Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland video of the ground floor of the Eastern tower on ancestry visit to Huntingtower Castle, Perth, Perthshire. When you enter this Scottish castle you can go in by the ground floor of the Eastern Tower or by steps from the courtyard into the first floor of the western Tower. Mary Queen of Scots came to honeymoon here in 1565 with her new husband, Lord Darnley. The castle is also said to be haunted by a green lady.
Sunday Drive To Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland travel video of an early Autumn Sunday drive to Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767.
Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland May 14th
Tour Scotland video shot this afternoon of Huntingtower Castle, by Perth, Perthshire, Scotland. Huntingtower Castle once known as Ruthven Castle or the Palace of Ruthven is situated about 3 miles from the centre of Perth, on the main road to Crieff. The Castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the Palace of Ruthven. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property, including Huntingtower, was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767, it was abandoned as a place of residence except by farm labourers. Today, the Castle can be visited by the public and is sometimes used as a venue for marriage ceremonies. It is in the care of Historic Scotland and is open to the public.
Huntingtower Castle. Perth, Scotland.
For nearly three centuries, this remarkable building was home to some of Scotland's most powerful people, and witnessed some dramatic events. Originally known as the Place of Ruthven the castle was built by the Ruthvens (later earls of Gowrie). Following their downfall in 1600, it passed into the hands of the Murrays (earls of Tullibardine and later dukes of Atholl).
It was visited several times by royalty not always by choice. Mary Queen of Scots visited with Lord Darnley in 1565, soon after they married. In 1582, their son, James V1, was held here against his will by the 1st Earl of Gowrie, in a famous episode known as the Ruthven Raid.
In 1600, the 3rd Earl was involved in the equally bizarre 'Gowrie Conspiracy'. The Ruthvens were disinherited and their castle renamed Huntingtower.
The space between the battlements on top of both towers is known as the 'Maiden's Leap'.
The story of how the 2.7m (9ft) gap got its name is told by the 18th-century traveller and naturalist Thomas Pennant. It involved Dorothea Ruthven and her lover John Wemyss of Pittencrieff.
A daughter of the 1st Earl of Gowrie was addressed by a young gentleman in the neighbourhood...... Her family, though they gave no countenance to the match, permitted him to visit them, and lodged him in a tower, near another in which was the young lady's chamber, but up a different staircase, and communicating with another part of the house; the lady......conveyed herself into her lover's apartment; but one of the family having discovered it, told it to her mother, who cutting off, as she thought, all possibility of retreat, hastened to surprise them; but the young lady hearing the well-known footsteps of her mother, ran to the top of the leads (lead roof), and took a desperate leap......over a chasm of 60ft from the ground, lighted on the battlements of the other tower, whence descending her own chamber, she crept into her bed; her mother having in vain sought her in her lover's chamber, came into her room, where finding her seemingly asleep, she apologised to her for her unjust suspicion. The young lady eloped the next night, and was married.
Music: Danse Macabre.
Music by Kevin MacLeod (original composer: Camille Saint-Saëns). Available under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license. Download link:
Scotland's Backyard Castles - Huntingtower Castle in Perth & Kinross | Dig It! TV
Mischievous plots, brutal executions and even a forbidden romance! Step into this unusual castle with David for a private YouTube tour, featuring puzzling architecture and a spectacular painted ceiling from the 16th century.
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Explore:
Huntingtower Castle -
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Nearby:
Dupplin Cross –
Scone Palace -
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Credits:
Host - David C. Weinczok
Director and Assistant Editor - Joshua Graham
Director of Photography and Editor - Samuel Gerace
Music - 'Dark Winds' by Zefz
Photography Credits - Huntingtower Castle by Rude Health
Thumbnail Photo - Photo by Romtomtom on Foter.com / CC BY
Special thanks to Christie’s and Historic Environment Scotland
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Huntingtower castle, Perth, Scotland (part 1)
Eastern Tower From Battlements Of Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland video of the Eastern tower from the battlements on ancestry visit to Huntingtower Castle, Perth, Perthshire. The eastern tower was originally a gatehouse that was converted around 1500 into a three storey residential tower house. Mary Queen of Scots came to honeymoon here in 1565 with her new husband, Lord Darnley. The castle is also said to be haunted by a green lady.
Autumn Road Trip Drive To Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland Autumn travel video of a road trip drive, with Scottish music, to Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767. The painted ceiling is traditional beam and board ceiling made of oak and pine built around 1540. Mary Queen of Scots came to honeymoon here in 1565 with her new husband, Lord Darnley. The castle is also said to be haunted by a green lady. The second floor room has a fine 15th Century fireplace.
Huntingtower Castle, Perthshire, Scotland
Huntingtower Castle once known as Ruthven Castle or the Place [Palace] of Ruthven is located near the village of Huntingtower in Perthshire, Scotland.
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Early Summer Drive To Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland travel video of an early Summer road trip drive, with Scottish music, from Tibbermore to Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767.
Huntingtower castle, Perth, Scotland (part 2')
Huntingtower Castle Perth
April Drive From Crieff On Visit To Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland April video of part of the drive East on the A85 road from Crieff to Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767.
Walk The Battlements Of Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland video of a walk along the battlements on ancestry visit to Huntingtower Castle, by Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle is said to be haunted by Lady Greensleeves, a young woman named Dorothea who was the daughter of the 1st Earl of Gowrie. The legend states that she was in love with a servant at the castle and that the two used to have clandestine meetings at night in the eastern tower, where the servants slept. One night the girl's mother, the Countess, is supposed to have discovered what was going on and made her way across the bridge from the family's quarters in the western tower to the eastern tower to catch the pair. Dorothea heard her mother's footsteps on the bridge and, unable to return to the other tower by that route, made her way to the roof. Here she made a leap from the tower to land safely on the battlements of the western tower and so return to bed where she was discovered by her mother. The following day the girl and her lover eloped and no records exist to tell us what happened to them.
December Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland December video of Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767.
Second Floor Eastern Tower Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland video of the second floor of the Eastern tower on ancestry visit to Huntingtower Castle, Perth, Perthshire. This room has a fine 15th Century fireplace. Mary Queen of Scots came to honeymoon here in 1565 with her new husband, Lord Darnley. The castle is also said to be haunted by a green lady.
April Huntingtower Castle Perth Perthshire Scotland
Tour Scotland April video of Huntingtower Castle on ancestry visit to Perth, Perthshire. This Scottish castle was built in stages from the 15th century by the Clan Ruthven family and was known for several hundred years as the 'House of Ruthven'. In the summer of 1582, the castle was occupied by the 4th Lord Ruthven, who was also the 1st Earl of Gowrie, and his family. Gowrie was involved in a plot to kidnap the young King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots. During 1582 Gowrie and his associates seized the young king and held him prisoner for 10 months. This kidnapping is known as the 'Raid of Ruthven' and the Protestant conspirators behind it hoped to gain power through controlling the king. James eventually escaped and actually forgave Gowrie, but after a second abortive attempt by Gowrie and others to overthrow him, Gowrie was finally executed and his property was forfeited to the crown. The Castle and lands were restored to the Ruthven family in 1586. However in 1600, the brothers John and Alexander Ruthven were implicated in another plot to kill King James VI and were executed. This time, the king was less merciful: as well as seizing the estates, he abolished the name of Ruthven and decreed that any successors would be ineligible to hold titles or lands. Thus the House of Ruthven ceased to exist and by royal proclamation the castle was renamed Huntingtower. The Castle remained in the possession of the crown until 1643 when it was given to the family of Murray of Tullibardine, from whom the Dukes of Atholl and Mansfield are descended. John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl resided in the Castle, where his wife Lady Mary Ross bore a son 7 February 1717. The Castle began to be neglected and after Lady Mary died in 1767.