Tantallon Castle - Scotland's FORGOTTEN Medieval Fortress

Рет қаралды 90,149

Күн бұрын

Tantallon Castle is one of the most beautiful castles I have ever visited, and it has a history that is intertwined with wars, sieges and much bloodshed. It was fought over a huge number of times between the English and the Scottish, and today it sits very close to the Scottish/English border. It today sits in a ruined state thanks to the brutal weaponry and cannons of Oliver Cromwell.
Most of it's medieval history is dominated by the Douglas Clan, and in particular the Red Douglasses. It's very closely linked also to Scottish Kings, and was even fought over during the Tudor period. Tantallon Castle has been the scene of much treachery, brutality and political scheming as time has gone on. Even during the Second World War, Tantallon and the water around it would play a pivotal role in preparations for the D-Day invasions.
Today it sits as a reminder of the past brutal wars between the English and the Scots, and it is a picturesque and beautiful ruin. The setting around Tantallon is a beautiful one with one side completely exposed to the sea. It is a spectacular place to visit and today is mostly forgotten and isn't too well known. So join us today as we look at Tantallon Castle, show you around and delve into it's rich history, as we look at Scotland's Forgotten Medieval Fortress.
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comment stated below in the Comments section do not represent the opinion of TheUntoldPast. All opinions and comments and dialogue should discuss the video above in a historical manner.
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Пікірлер: 164

@jenniferjacobs228 3 жыл бұрын

This wonderful castle belonged to my Clan Douglas ancestors. This is the history of my blood relatives on my father's maternal side. So good .

@noraelliott7304 9 ай бұрын

My Douglas clan connection is my grandmother. She was a Douglas before her marriage.

@charmich3627 3 жыл бұрын

When i went to Scotland about 10 yrs ago, this was the very first castle that I had ever seen in my life. it was absolutely amazing to be there knowing the history and the famous people that would have walked about the area and to be walking in their footsteps...the views of the sea and the land were incredible and to hear the sounds of the waves was both relaxing and at times mezmerizing....just standing there looking up at some of the walls made you feel quite small as well, but the best part of the day there was that there were no other people there exploring while we walked around....i hope to someday soon go back there and revisit my first castle -- it will always be a treasured memory :) :) thank you for the video

@lyndsaycrawford 3 жыл бұрын

Awe the beautiful Tantalum Castle. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 this video stirs that Scottish pride in me. Blind patriotism. I almost think of it like my faith. A feeling I can’t explain but I’m blessed to feel it! And all the derelict castles in Scotland are my churches lol. It’s amazing to contemplate what happened in those castles over so many generations. My ancestors had a small castle on the river Clyde, the daughter of sir Hugh Crawford, Marion, married William Wallace’s father.

@veronicaroach3667 Жыл бұрын

I'm basically English, altho with a Swiss mother, but I can also feel your pride in the Scots history & all the great battles fought. I don't have any feelings about England winning anything because I think we are all entwined together over many hundreds of years, and Scots pride is pleasure we can all feel ! My great grandmother was a Blair & I had an Irish Grandfather on my father's side, so no need to get all patriotic towards any one set of folks - as I see it all of the history of the British Isles belongs to all of us to enjoy, possibly have a little argument or two, but no need for aggravation at this point in time. Scotland is one of the places I have never been, and will not now be able to go because I'm past travel;ing at 82, but I still love you Scotland, love to visit via KZfaq & I am convinced that Scots culture has given these islands a whole lot of benefits ! I'm all for fair play on every level, so my sense of all of us belonging does not mean I condone any English pomposity or theft of assets - truth in all things I say. We can be better than we have been !

@GLK-London 3 жыл бұрын

I remember going there in the 1970's on a misty day when it was empty and so atmospheric. Thanks for the great video that bought back those memories.

@davesmith7432 3 жыл бұрын

I love how you guys are branching out into cool historic places! Thanks!

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

No worries! I filmed this before the lockdown, and had a great time! Will be visiting plenty more once I get back out there, do have some more footage to edit of different castles!

@elizabethspedding1975 3 жыл бұрын

Thank-you for another wonderful lesson with beautiful photographs.

@snookieg2409 3 жыл бұрын

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that you are able to go to these site's! The history nerd and lover of Scottish historical romance's is as giddy as a 90's era girl at her first boy band concert! Thank you for another great episode!

@thewasatch208 3 жыл бұрын

So much history... Keep it up man. Great stuff!!

@iusedto4578 3 жыл бұрын

‘Thas a gem innit ?” - Phil Harding

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Certainly is!

@ironteacup2569 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the good content! Keep it up! More forts/castles will be cool

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

No problems! Filmed this before the latest lockdown, but I'll try and get out there again as soon as I can!

@suzannelebizarre5705 3 жыл бұрын

My own heritage is Scots combined with Netherlands...never got to Scotland, did manage to visit Liverpool and Amsterdam way back in the 1950s...my US Navy days....did know a smattering of English and Scottish History, would love to know more...

@Jiggypig08 3 жыл бұрын

,Nice to see one of your history tales closer to home, I live in Hawick in the Scottish Borders, so within a 50 mile radius of Edinburgh and many of the places mentioned. William Douglas, the first Earl of Douglas is buried in Melrose Abbey, just 20 miles from my home town.

@Warrior6504 3 жыл бұрын

It’s one of the best castles I’ve been too and my brother in law worked there for some time.

@hedydd2 3 жыл бұрын

Just down the road you will find Seacliff and Scoughall [pronounced 'Schol'] which have a rich history of ship wreckers, associations with Robert Louis Stevenson and antisubmarine warfare during the Second World War. The Dale family have owned the land for many generation and the beach and small private harbour hewn from the rocks below Tantallon is privately owned by them down to low tide mark, which is very unusual indeed.

@gabyshepherd8855 3 жыл бұрын

We’ve visited many magnificent Scottish castles whilst exploring beautiful Scotland twice.Sadly we couldn’t manage to get there as we had limited days in our holidays. Thanks for your detailed historic background (I’m a teacher of History)of this unforgettable fortification and for the pro filmography. I felt as I would be walking around.🌸👍 . There’s a special place for Scotland in our heart.❤️ Subscribed.🌺

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your lovely comments! I’m glad you enjoyed the video! I’m also a Teacher of History, so glad to have been able to share something with you!

@stevemarshall5197 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent well researched and narrated 👍

@malteseowl 3 жыл бұрын

"read" not narrated.

@Zakalwe-01 3 жыл бұрын

I know Tantallon well, and even today it feels strong and menacing.

@berry-123 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for another great video. Love your voice as you tell the story's

@theearlofmarch 3 жыл бұрын

Impressive and top quality footage mate. Love the work you’ve been doing 💙

@cliveog 3 жыл бұрын

Used to live nearby and visited many times. Hugely impressive, not sure why it is not better known. Dunnottar Castle up near Aberdeen takes this sea defence idea even further.

@sofarupthealley7423 3 жыл бұрын

Dunnottar is a lovely castle, it's just outside of Stonehaven.

@zm1939 3 жыл бұрын

Interesting video, thanks for uploading.

@Kyle-gw6qp 3 жыл бұрын

This is one of my local castles and is my absolute favourite. I go there all the time.

@ianbrock8 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with you. Tantallon Castle is one of the most beautiful castles. I first visited it over 30 years ago and was amazed by the location and the vast amount of land which was used for it's fortifications.

@scottishdigger4991 3 жыл бұрын

one of the many beautiful castles in East Lothian absolutely spectacular and 10 mins from my home 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@and7barton 3 жыл бұрын

This and Goodrich are my two favourite castles. I always make a point of including them on my tours of the locales.

@mankanmagnusson9579 3 жыл бұрын

Fantastic building. Thank you for sharing. Regards from Sweden.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! :)

@Weeeewriter 3 жыл бұрын

*Thank you so much for taking the time to create such a beautiful and informative video. Hello from Canada* 💙

@allangrant6349 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for that.Keep them coming.

@edinburghwalks9137 3 жыл бұрын

Superb dear keep them coming.

@SKF358 3 жыл бұрын

It's beautiful. I'm ready to move in.

@mysterycrumble 3 жыл бұрын

love your videos always lots of interesting info and nice and relaxing to watch

@RickPop85 3 жыл бұрын

I went there 5 years ago amazing place.

@conkadonk4976 3 жыл бұрын

What a place , More restoration needed , Thanks for the tour .

@Thanks_for_posting. 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting

@keithbill310 Жыл бұрын

You can feel the history of the place emanating from those stones...

@craiglumsden76 3 жыл бұрын

Love these historic videos lovely Castles in these parts THIRLESTANE CASTLE is worth a trip to film...its in Lauder, Berwickshire where I live. So much history

@noraelliott7304 10 ай бұрын

Thank you for what I assume was some drone footage as well as a walking tour. Beautiful views of the castle, some of the old siege fortifications and of course the view of the east coast.

@SARHistories 2 жыл бұрын

What an amazing place! I’m hoping to do a tour of Scotland in better times. Great footage and a great video 👍

@tomczi85 3 жыл бұрын

I have been few times there. Beautiful castle, big part of history and the views. So stunning.

@AndriaBieberDesigns 3 жыл бұрын

I love all of your videos

@thumperthoughts 3 жыл бұрын

My father (cabinetmaker and shopfitting trade in Edinburgh) built the teak footbridge back around 1980. I'm not sure if that's his handiwork or if it has been renewed again since. As far as I know he did all the woodwork in the shop and it was then assembled on-site by others.

@robrob9208 3 жыл бұрын

Love it tank you sir

@gordonstevenson8205 3 жыл бұрын

Very good it's an often overlooked place is Tantallon. The rock offshore is pronounced Bass (like mass) not base.

@oldmanwillyboy2786 3 жыл бұрын

I grew up in North Berwick, so Tantallon is anything but forgotten.....

@benedict_323 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent presentation and fantastic views of and from the castle.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

No problem! Thanks for the comment!

@ihokus 2 жыл бұрын

My favorite castle too. And i've seen a lot of them. Used to work in an office across from edinburg castle for 2 years, with a perfect view. But this place is incredible. 3 years in scotland and now back in California (thank God, the weather is TERRIBLE), this is a permanent memory.

@veronicaroach3667 Жыл бұрын

Ah but there's something about the softness of British drizzle that is almost never matched in the US. I've lived in NJ for years now, but still love gentle rain !

@bobjackson4720 3 жыл бұрын

Impressive castle it most have been a very serious stronghold in it's day. How about the black Douglas's, will you cover them?

@fetus2280 3 жыл бұрын

This Castle is actually Small compared to many others .. Most have been demolished hundreds of years ago . This one is one that still sort of stands . IF interested in old castles and what happened to them, their story etc etc , have a look at Time Time , they have Dug many Many of them . Cheers .

@johnliddell7999 3 жыл бұрын

Didnt no there were black people in scoland in those days

@duncancallum 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnliddell7999 Yes black Douglasses matter

@garymcatear822 3 жыл бұрын

@@johnliddell7999 I used to think the Scottish royal black watch regiment was called the black watch because it was filled with black soldiers ...(kiddin)

@robertthebruce-geniusofban647 5 ай бұрын

One of my personal favourites a short journey from my home.

@beccaboo3040 3 жыл бұрын

Loved this. Reminds me of being 4 yrs old looking around harlech castle. Happy days 😁

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Exactly my childhood memories too! Love Harlech, will be back to visit there sometime!

@beccaboo3040 3 жыл бұрын

@@TheUntoldPast excellent. Love the place 💚

@ianrobinson8974 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for such an interesting vlog. I am most interested in who built it (the labour etc) and where did they get the materials in such a remote part of Scotland.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! I'm going to be releasing a few more castle videos, I used to do mostly these. Glad you enjoyed it!

@Dunbardoddy 9 ай бұрын

My local castle and quite I totally agree with you!

@jamesglass4842 3 жыл бұрын

Clan was used in the Highlands and Islands. Family names were such in the SW and low lands. The term Clan has only been used since the 11th Century anyway.

@MrGoldenV 3 жыл бұрын

After lockdown I'd really like to see you guys go to the gateway to the Highlands.... Stirling Castle.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

It definitely is on the list of places to go mate!

@paradox7358 3 жыл бұрын

Can you do a video on the original Nottingham castle? It was demolished after the civil war but I believe it was originally an impressive and significant fortification at its time.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Will take a look at this!

@michaeljfoote 3 жыл бұрын

A really detailed account of a castle I know well having lived in North Berwick. Well done, just one point it’s called Bass Rock not Base Rock! It was a prison for French prisoners of war during the Napoleonic wars.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Apologies, honestly loved a visit to North Berwick when I went to Tantallon. What a beautiful place North Berwick is. Had a lovely time exploring the rocks on the beach.

@callumbryan7013 3 жыл бұрын

Ardrossan castle , has just as much rich history , that is being looked at , MR Cromwel , also done a lot of damage to build a fort in Ayr

@daneaxe6465 3 жыл бұрын

Join the club! The Swedes wrecked the family fortress Hammershus on Bornholm. They had a habit of inviting themselves over and breaking stuff that didn't belong to them. You can't have nice things when they are around. :/

@KujoTV 3 жыл бұрын

Visited back in 1990 took some great B/Ws.

@PunchesCouches 3 жыл бұрын

This reminds me of the book Redwall

@davidhull1481 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t be forgotten- I’ve been there!

@begonnne Ай бұрын

The curtain wall did not protect it on free sides as you said, it protected it on THREE sides.

@justsitting1 3 жыл бұрын

Been before. Great place.

@jbearmcdougall1646 3 жыл бұрын

Lovely.?you need to visit Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven

@veronicaroach3667 Жыл бұрын

Are there pics somewhere of what it would have looked like before the destruction ?

@whiteonggoy7009 3 жыл бұрын

Can you do a vlog on Dover castle

@jendagesse4524 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to see that

@bakerXderek 3 жыл бұрын

Are you allowed to metal detect these fields around these ? I can only imagine the treasures there.

@faithlesshound5621 3 жыл бұрын

Not much point, if you're not allowed to dig.

@mynamedoesntmatter8652 3 жыл бұрын

Don’t you have to apply for and be granted permission to excavate for archeological purposes?

@faithlesshound5621 3 жыл бұрын

@@mynamedoesntmatter8652 Detectorists aren't "excavating for archaeological purposes." They find buried treasure and sell it.

@mynamedoesntmatter8652 3 жыл бұрын

@@faithlesshound5621 My point exactly. Don’t care for those who do such as that. It’s lost that way. Stingy, small minds.

@lyndsaycrawford 3 жыл бұрын

There’s probably not much to dig for, the Scottish weather hardly guarantees it’ll stay buried

@christianfreedom-seeker934 3 жыл бұрын

In ancient times, one of the tribes of Caledonia built "bell-keeps" and the cheiftan would reside there along with his clan. The "bell-keep" definately had some military significance. Almost like an early Castle! Also in Cornwall the Celtic lords there built fortresses for living and defense, basically "Castles" I think only 1 remains intact. Tintagel. Britian must have seen quite a few wars after the Romans left and even before the Romans came in!

@johnhorse5551 3 жыл бұрын

How much would it cost to rebuild,Rochester Castle in Kent is badass

@deltanovember1672 3 жыл бұрын

Almost £34m if it’s repaired on schedule.

@aaronsaunders6974 4 ай бұрын

Handsome interior-the most handsome interior I ever seen

@randy5894 2 жыл бұрын

At 6:30 there is a hill in the background, it looks like one of those pyramids in China that are over grown with greenery. What is that hill?

@vtruescot 3 жыл бұрын

I remember walking across the bridge and just about being blown off the bridge.

@paintingtheskykingdom9005 3 жыл бұрын

No wonder humanity has such difficulty staying peaceful when you hear of the constant sieges in the past. I don't get it

@conkadonk4976 3 жыл бұрын

Unionism, Seems to have been the ruin of Tantallon

@yaddahaysmarmalite4059 3 жыл бұрын

Remember: wealth is for those with the power to take it.

@lindatimmons3675 3 жыл бұрын

All these castles are awesome. Its sad to see them abandoned and falling to ruin. 😢😭 i would love to go to ireland and scotland to visit some castles. Several months ago on a website about castles the castle at Garbally was on there, thats the castle one of my great grandfathers owned and the last of the TRENCH 's lived there until he died in 1972. Its Garbally Castle in Ireland.

@justtruth5855 3 жыл бұрын

Can you put a claim in for the castle and land? I did hear if you can prove your family owned castles in Scotland then you can own them again.

@lindatimmons3675 3 жыл бұрын

@@justtruth5855 i dont know about Scotland, Garbally Castle is in Ireland and has been empty since 1972 when Derick Trench died the way the article read. It was for sale for $ 64million dollars. He lived thete alone in part of the castle until his death in 1972. I couldnt afford to maintain a castle anyway. Lol

@deltanovember1672 3 жыл бұрын

@@justtruth5855 Where did you hear that?

@lylez00 3 жыл бұрын

You should definitely go. Many of them are closed from October through April, or thereabouts, so be sure to do a little research first.

@justtruth5855 3 жыл бұрын

@@deltanovember1672 daily mail November 4th 2019. But if you just put in how to claim a castle Scotland. There are many sites with the surname of unclaimed sites.

@pessimisticideas3075 3 жыл бұрын

I absolutely adore the narrator's voice!

@soulfate2 3 жыл бұрын

Me too it’s so good

@nk53nxg 3 жыл бұрын

Live in NE Scotland, there are many very old Tower Houses or Keeps left to ruin all over the place. I used to live near Corse Castle ruin as one of many examples, just off the Tarland to Aberdeen road, probably 15th Century and left to crumble to nothing. If you had the passion to save it Hysterical Scotland would stop you, they would rather it crumbled to rubble??! They have this selfish, ridicilous notion that buildings should be allowed to die gracefully, forgetting that every Custodian or Owner of these buildings modified them constantly with changing fortunes and fashions. If someone comes along who wants to restore the remaining stonework with traditional materials and methods then I say let them, but also let them use modern materials for the structure that is gone forever, let them add there personal modern touch so long as it is done tastefully. Hysterical Scotland would insist that the building was restored with 50 ft solid oak beams that no longer exist and that the roof be slated with slate from a quarry that no longer exists, so in effect preventing anyome from restoring it?? I worked for a traditional masonry company for a period that did work for HS and SNH, and even they were perplexed by the loony decisions, they just go too far. If what remains can be saved, it must be done in traditional methods, if other fabric is lost due to complete disintigration over time then the new owner has the right to use better cost effective modern materials as long as the style and arcitechture fits what remains. Some modern design integrated into these old buildinhs looks spectacular if done sympatheticaly.

@thedesertwarrior7447 3 жыл бұрын

Sir, do you have any historical presentations about *Sir William Wallace?* Except for Mel Gibson's "Braveheart," there is really no detailed accounts of this fascinating man. One person wrote an account, but based his history *on the movie!* One other account said that Wallace was born of nobility, but another says that he was a "commoner" who fought to the rank of nobility. Your research is impeccable, and I know that you seek the factual truths on the subjects you present. Many blessings, and thank you.

@TheUntoldPast 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your kind words! Looking at William Wallace is on my list of things to cover. I will be revisiting Scotland however once all this has blow over (pandemic) and filming at some sites linked to Wallace. Hopefully in the future when this is done, it will be of justice.

@timberwolf27 3 жыл бұрын

This is how I talk. .Norma- Norma, mally.

@malteseowl 3 жыл бұрын

Incredible.

@martincarroll8637 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent narration and to think there are those who would disingenuously besmirch patriotism.

@williamgardner2739 3 жыл бұрын

Can anyone tell me why there is a glass window 14.45 in the castle

@deendrew36 3 жыл бұрын

Glazed windows were pretty common by the 14th century.

@KINGcalgacus 3 жыл бұрын

because its a restored part of the castle {museum}...they lock the doors and switch on the burglar alarm at night also ..lol.

@BA-gn3qb 3 жыл бұрын

Some new windows and a spot of paint would do wonders for it.

@arsenarsen6450 3 жыл бұрын

Легендарная Киликия моя

@naomipagecoachingreddragon5991 3 жыл бұрын

Who owns it now? And why do they not renovate it, or at least the fortress’s doorways and entrances???

@CameronSmith-fh2rb 2 жыл бұрын

It's a national history site. Many of these buildings have not been rebuilt for historical preservation. So they only replace what they need to preserve and not compromise historical authenticity

@nialloftheninedevils 3 жыл бұрын

Its more than 35miles from the border....

@malteseowl 3 жыл бұрын

Incredible - 675 times. Incredible - 676.

@MrGarrett 3 жыл бұрын

You ever do the fort in Barnsley? It's up behind Northern College.

@debbiesunlight7047 3 жыл бұрын

Ah my husbands castle.

@hedydd2 3 жыл бұрын

Bass Rock, not Base Rock!

@macjim 3 жыл бұрын

A doocote... pronounced dook-et Bass rock... not base rock Hope that helps

@hedydd2 3 жыл бұрын

I remember, in my youth, helping to clean out the doocote at Whitekirk, which is the first village you come to after Auldhame cottages that neighbour Tantallon. What a nasty filthy job that was. I wonder whether it is still there, with its doves?

@Anju_Zelda 11 ай бұрын

lets call this one wall a castle sad just sad

@treehousekohtao 3 жыл бұрын

My cousin got married here

@silverarrowslk 3 жыл бұрын

WTF???? That’s not the Douglas coat of arms!! A feckin dinosaur? You having a laugh

@danthebrave1701 3 жыл бұрын

This Oliver Cromwell sounds like a real jerk.

@krackerman3628 3 жыл бұрын

Nice castle... shame the English fked it up....

@jamesdevine1005 3 жыл бұрын

@TheJohanIII 3 жыл бұрын

Is she a girl ?

@TheBigExclusive 3 жыл бұрын

So when are the Scottish going to restore that castle? Or at least repair it? I know the Chinese do repairs and maintenance on the Great Wall of China. The Scottish should maintain this so it doesn't get ruined even more.

@scottishdigger4991 3 жыл бұрын

Maybe yous English should repair it for us Scots after it was your mob who did it but in all honesty what a stupid post you have put up as it shows what you know about castles

@keithlordofalbascotland3371 3 жыл бұрын

There's 3000 to choose from knob

@hughcampbell9841 18 күн бұрын

You really aint got a clue have you

@TheBigExclusive 18 күн бұрын

@@keithlordofalbascotland3371 - Many are in extreme disrepair. You can see KZfaq videos of the worst castles in Europe. Half the Walls have fallen, weather has gotten inside, wood has rotted, trees and wild life are growing inside, and it's barely standing. Some are almost ruins. In another 30 years to maybe 100 years tops, the weather will completely break down these castles if nothing is done to maintain or repair them. Europe will lose its important heritage. Many castles in the UK are listed by the UK government as in "extreme disrepair" or on the verge of collapse. Something should be done. Turn them into a museum or do something to raise money and keep them around.