Many recognize the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, but many don't know that it was in ruins a century ago. The beautiful castle we all know is a fairly modern structure, finished in 1932. The second photo is what the ruins looked like for almost 200 years after it was blown up in retribution against the Jacobites. The following account is from www.eileandonancastle.com: (Please note these are not my words.)
"In 1719 the castle was garrisoned by 46 Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobites. They had established a magazine of gunpowder, and were awaiting the delivery of weapons and cannon from Spain. The English Government caught wind of the intended uprising and sent three heavily armed frigates The Flamborough, The Worcester, and The Enterprise to quell matters. The bombardment of the castle lasted three days, though met with limited success due to the enormity of the castle walls, which in some places are up to 14 feet thick. Finally, Captain Herdman of The Enterprise sent his men ashore and over-whelmed the Spanish defenders. Following the surrender, the government troops discovered the magazine of 343 barrels of gunpowder which was then used to blow up what had remained from the bombardment…"
Here are a few photos from my first visit to Eilean Donan a few years back. A cold November day, perfect for added atmosphere, which I played up in one of the edits just for fun. The second photo is how it looked in the late 1920s. (Source: High Life Highland Libraries Postcard Collection)
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