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DunbarDunbar, which is situated in the northeastern corner of East Lothian, developed around a natural harbour. On the rocky outcrop overlooking this harbour stand the remains of Dunbar Castle; this area has probably been fortified since before the Roman times and is where the name of the town is derived, from the Gaelic for summit fort. The current remains of the castle date back to the 12th century, but there was an earlier castle that Malcolm Canmore gave to the 1st Earl of Dunbar. Due to its prominent position the castle had a turbulent history; the English unsuccessfully attacked the castle in 1214 and again, with more success, in 1296. However, one of the most famous incidents in the castle’s history was when, in the absence of her husband, the Countess of Dunbar, Black Agnes, defended the castle against an English siege for six months; when asked to surrender she is said to have replied: Of Scotland's King
I haud my house, He pays me meat and fee, Over the years, the castle was damaged and rebuilt many times, but in the 16th century the Scottish Parliament ordered its final destruction. What remained was further damaged in the 1840s during the construction of the Victoria Harbour; electronically fired explosive charges were invented by Robert William Thomson specifically for the job of demolishing the castle. Dunbar is also known for two battles that took place to the south of the town: the first in 1296 during the first Wars of Scottish Independence; and the second in 1650 as part of Oliver Cromwell’s campaign to become Lord Protector of Scotland as well as England. Despite the years separating the battle, both had the same outcome: the Scots were defeated! After the latter battle half the prisoners, about 5000 men, were marched south to Durham. 1500 died on the 118 mile trek, which resulted in this event being known as the Durham Death March! |
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