Welcome to June's edition of The Castle Times


I would like to start off this issue by welcoming Evelyn Wallace (Travel Writer and Author). Evelyn has taken time out of her busy schedule and graciously agreed to write some articles for The Castles Times.

In this months issue:

1. Castle of the month - Thirlestane castle , Scotland

2. Recipe Corner - Wine mulled with honey and spices - 14th century English

3. Life in Medieval times - Medieval Music by Sammy Munnings

4. Travel Tips - 10 Top Tips for Travelling Abroad

5. Readers Story - Jane Seymour/ Hampton Court & Sylvester Bowden by Pamela Seres

The central part of the present Castle was completed in 1590, remodelled in the 1670s, and then again in the 1840s.

Throughout its long history, Thirlestane belonged to the Maitland family, one of the most able and famous in Scotland. The Maitlands came to Britain from France with William the Conqueror in 1066, and settled in Northumberland. In about 1250, Sir Richard Maitland married Avicia, the daughter and sole heiress of Thomas du Thirlestane. It was this marriage that brought the lands of Thirlestane and others into the ownership of the Maitland family. The ruined remains of one of the family homes at that time can still be seen, two miles from the Castle off the A697.

Through military service and their contributions to law and the arts, the Maitlands gained increasing influence and power. In 1590, John Maitland became Lord Chancellor of Scotland. His son was created 1st Earl of Lauderdale and his brother, William Maitland, was Secretary to Mary Queen of Scots.

John Maitland, 2nd Earl of Lauderdale, was one of the most important and controversial Scottish figures of the late 17th century. As a leading royalist, he was a confidant of King Charles II and spent nine years in the Tower of London under sentence of death.

After the Restoration, he was appointed Secretary of State for Scotland. As such, he was virtually the uncrowned King of Scotland, and wielded unrivalled power and influence

On his second marriage to the Countess of Dysart, he was created Duke of Lauderdale and began transforming Thirlestane Castle into a fitting palace from which to direct the affairs of Scotland. He employed Sir William Bruce to undertake the remodelling of the Castle. Bringing Renaissance influences to the Scottish Baronial style, he introduced the two front towers and the grand staircase and oversaw the transformation of the interior, the most remarkable feature of which is the rich plasterwork of the State Rooms.

The Duke's unscrupulous use of power eventually caused his downfall. Forced by the King to resign, he lost all his offices and was even deprived of his pension. On his death in 1682, leaving no heir, the Dukedom conferred upon him became extinct, while Thirlestane passed to his brother, Charles, 3rd Earl of Lauderdale.

By the 19th century, Thirlestane's role had evolved in more peaceful times to that of a Scottish country mansion for the Earls of Lauderdale. The social use to which the Castle was now put required more space, so in 1840 the Edinburgh architects, David Bryce and William Burn, were employed to design two large wings flanking the central Keep. The south wing, constructed around a central courtyard, housed new kitchens, pantries, laundries and servants' accommodation. The exterior remodelling highlighted the earlier features, with the new towers designed to match the outer towers of the Keep. The interior work also remained sympathetic to the work of Sir William Bruce, introducing the comforts of the Victorian age while retaining the magnificent features of the Baroque.

Words and text courtesy of www.thirlestanecastle.co.uk

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of an inexpensive, sweet red or white wine

• 1 - 1 1/2 cups sugar (OR: 1 - 2 cups honey)

• 1 Tbs. each of ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, white pepper, clove, nutmeg, & caraway seed

• cheesecloth

Method

1. Bring the wine and sugar or honey to a boil; if using honey, skim off the scum as it rises.

2. Taste for sweetness; add honey or sugar as necessary.

3. Remove from heat, stir in spices, and allow to sit covered for 24 hours. After sitting, the spices will create a thick residue which will settle to the bottom. Using a ladle, pass the wine into another container through a strainer lined with 2 or 3 layers of cheesecloth to remove the spices, being careful to leave as much of the spice residue in the pot as possible.

4. Bottle.

5. Make at least 1 month before serving. The older it is, the better.

Eat, Drink and be Merry

Medieval Music by Sammy Munnings

Most of the information we have on medieval music is based upon the information we get from medieval art. And from medieval art we also know that music was around before the Middle Ages. Art usually contained pictures of instruments even as far back as cave drawings. We can also tell music was around during the Middle Ages because of art of the Middle Ages. On artwork during this time, there were usually instruments or people/angels with instruments on the border an so on.

Medieval music was often composed by bands. Bands would play at most special and religious days. These were days like: Christmas and Easter. They would also play music at places. Such as: Trade fairs, civic ceremonies, royal occasions and banquets.

The Gregorian chant is probably the most well known pieces of medieval music and was credited and named after Pope Gregory. It was a monophonic piece of music (not a polyphony piece of music) and was credited to Pope Gregory because of his passion and dedication for music. Nobody actually knows the authors of the Gregorian chant even-though it is a very well known piece of music.

Music in the Middle Ages was played in church a lot too as Christianity and religion was growing rapidly. However some Monks and priests preferred to chant the divine offices and mass without any music. They had to do this daily.

The peasant’s instrument was the bagpipe. Although there was no way of noting down music in the Middle Ages until the 12th-13th century when Rhythmic notation was developed, it was in the 9th century when the first preserved finds of musical notation occurred.

People who traveled in the Middle Ages (such as merchants) often told stories of where they had been through song. Some would be happy and some would be sad.

I would like to thank Sammy for his article on Medieval music. If wish to learn about these interesting times then why not pay a visit to Sammy's site The Medieval Times which is filled with medieval times information on clothing, castles,the Black Death and much more. Suitable for any age and a fun place to be too!!!So come and join in, you know you want to!!

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!

2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.

3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are travelling. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.

4. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.

5. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.

6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.

7. On arrival at your destination you should register with the nearest embassy or consulate. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative.

8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewellery and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.

9. In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.

10. If you get into trouble, contact your nearest embassy.

Henry VIII and his third wife, Jane Seymour were betrothed a day after Anne Boleyn‘s execution in 1536. They were quickly married at Whitehall just ten days after. In 1537 Jane retired to Hampton Court to prepare for the birth of their child. Henry was thrilled when she gave birth to his long awaited son, Prince Edward on October 12th. Henry’s joy was short lived. On October 18th Jane became ill with childbed fever and died on the 24th. Henry went into mourning for several months after.

Hampton Court Palace was built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey between 1515 and 1530. Cardinal Wolsey later felt compelled to gift his home to Henry VIII. Henry made many additions to the palace. In the Tudor parts of the palace he added many structures from his own apartments, to the kitchens, the Chapel Royal, the Great Hall and tennis courts.

The astronomical clock added in 1540 was made by Nicholas Oursian. Henry laid out the overall plan for gardens in which the basic structure can be seen today at Hampton Court. Today many romance novels feature castles as the back drop for their stories. Castles bring us our dark but tormented heroes with mystery. I have interviewed, Sylvester Bowden, a Mr. Romance winner and cover model to get his take on what he thinks about the fascinating covers he is on.

Why do you think that castles are an interest to many? And what if anything intrigues you about them?

I think that castles are interesting to many because they find castles to be fascinating. Many find castles to be a part of history. What intrigues me is that I find castles have unique features in different ways. For example, castles can be intimidating, romantic, history of a solid foundation, and has a vast internal area for creativity from an architectural stand point.

What do you know about King Henry VIII & His Six Wives?

All I know is that Henry VIII got away with all those wives! ((wink))

Would you ever contemplate Six Wives?

I know they call me Sly, but I would have to let someone else contemplate Six Wives.

What, so far if anything, have you learned about being the Dark Castle Lord, by being on a romance cover and working with the industry?

In the romance industry, you have to have the desire to portray a character that supports a Dark Castle Lord, or any other past Century character(s). You can’t just put on a costume and take the name. You have to feel the part. It goes a long way!!

Pam

I hope you have enjoyed reading issue 16.

If you have any suggestions or comments about any part of the newsletter then please feel free to contact me.

As always, if you have a story,photos or questions you wish to ask or share with our readers then please email me and I will be happy to include them in our next edition.

All submissions should reach me by no later than the 20th of June