April 15th 2024.
Brodick Castle, situated on the beautiful Isle of Arran, has a rich history dating back 800 years. It has stood as a symbol of power and prestige, once serving as the seat of the Dukes of Hamilton. Throughout the centuries, the castle has witnessed its fair share of battles and conflicts. But recently, a fascinating discovery has shed light on a lesser-known aspect of the castle's past.
During a restoration project, a team of archaeologists uncovered intriguing evidence that suggests the presence of a drawbridge at Brodick Castle in the early 17th century. Vertical slots were found above the entrance to the castle's battery, which is believed to have been the designated location for the chains used to operate the drawbridge. These slots were previously concealed by a layer of cement, but were revealed when the walls were being repointed with lime mortar.
According to Derek Alexander, head of archaeology at the National Trust for Scotland, this remarkable find was made during routine maintenance work. He explained, "While repointing the castle's walls, we noticed some slots that were hidden by cement. As we cleared away the loose material, we discovered the purpose of these slots." Standing on the scaffolding, the team noticed not just one, but two slots measuring 50cm high and 5cm wide. Further examination revealed that these slots were located directly above the main entrance to the battery. It was then that the team realized the significance of their discovery - the presence of a drawbridge.
The team also noticed a stepped recess, measuring two meters wide and 20cm deep, in the wall face. This recess would have been the perfect spot for the drawbridge to be raised and lowered, blending seamlessly with the rest of the wall. Upon further research, it was confirmed that these slots were indeed used to hold the chains that operated the drawbridge, providing protection to the main entrance of the castle. Historical records also showed that timber for the defensive structure was purchased from the mainland in 1608, further corroborating the team's discovery.
Tom Addyman, an archaeology specialist, was responsible for making this groundbreaking discovery. He explained that the slots were most likely used as "rainures", which are openings through which the chains would pass to raise and lower the drawbridge. The shape of the eastern slot, which had a downward slope, provided further evidence to support this theory.
The battery at Brodick Castle was built as an additional defensive measure, housing muskets and small artillery pieces. It was commonly referred to as the "Cromwellian battery", dating back to the 1650s. However, it is now believed that there were earlier structures at this location. The entrance to the castle was through this battery until the 1840s, when the main entrance was relocated during Gillespie Graham's re-modelling of Brodick. It is assumed that the drawbridge was replaced with a simple timber doorway and a short flight of steps against the wall before this time.
After years of conservation work, the exterior of Brodick Castle is now nearing completion. The National Trust for Scotland has led this project, which is set to finish in 2023. This discovery has added another layer to the castle's history, giving us a glimpse into its past that was previously unknown. It's not every day that we come across physical evidence of a 17th-century drawbridge, making this an exciting and significant find for all those involved. To read more fascinating news stories, and to stay updated on all things Scottish, subscribe to Scottish Field.
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