STORY OF “BRUCE CASTLE"

Evening Star, Issue 19326, 12 August 1926, Page 10

STORY OF “BRUCE CASTLE"

The anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn, June 24, 1314, was celebrated at I’lcan Monzies Castle, near Bannockburn. This ancient castle was all bedecked with flags in commemoration of tho event. One of the most interesting flags was a large one from Castle Menzies, near Abcrfeldy, where it is said to have flown in 1746, when Prince Charlie spent a few days there enjoying Die deer stalking, ft has a red ground with the white cross of St. David, the patron saint of Clan Menzies. It was again hoisted in 1842 on Castle Menzies in honor of Queen Victoria’s first visit to tho Highlands.

The ancient name of this old castle was ‘‘ Bruce Castle,” as is shown in old maps of Stirlingshire. But. when ihe Ordnance map was made, by some error it- was given as Plean “Tower.” As it was in ruins till Sir David Menzies. ninth baronet- and hereditary chief of Clan Menzies, came into* it, he restored it as far as possible. It was at one time the castle of King Bober I tho Bruce, from whom it passed to the G reams. Ear is of Airth and Monliet.i. from one of whose daughters descend the Menzies of Comrio and of Menzies. the ancestors of the present, laird.

11*11611 Edward 11. of England advanced with his 150/100 men to fight King Bobert tho Bruce at Bannockburn the castle stood in their inarch, ami had to be taken at all costs. For a whole day it stood the attacks of the English, but at Inst was taken by storm. It was defended by old men and women and children, with the baron’s young wife, all of whom were slain ra't.lier than .surrender.-