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| Merlin Falcon : 19th century illustration : image source,Wikipedia. The male bird is in the foreground with female and juveniles behind. The night before my Rosslyn walk,a female Merlin (our smallest bird of prey) appeared in my dreams. Merlins were favourite hunting birds of noblemen in the Middle Ages. I didn't notice the significance of this until the following day. |
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Looking back towards the chapel. |
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A short distance from the chapel is Rosslyn Castle,built by the St Clair family in the early 14th century,the building has remained habitable throughout it's long and turbulent history. The more modern looking French style house behind the ruined entrance was built as part of extensive alterations around 1600. This part of the castle descends on 5 floors to ground level. The upper floors are at present let as holiday accomodation. |
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Jousting : image source,Wikipedia. By the end of the Medieval Age tournaments had become massive theatrical events, accompanied by feasting,music and dancing. Knights and their entourage travelled around Europe to take part in these. |
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| A kitchen in the late Middle Ages. The kitchens would have been located on the ground floor of the castle.Food found on medieval tables included a variety of meats,poultry,fish,fruit and vegetables.It was often seasoned with herbs and spices and sweetened with honey. At one time the castle gardens stretched down to the river's edge and a large orchard was located between the castle and the chapel. |
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Ancient castle foundations. |
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Beneath the castle, path to the river. |
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Young birch and hawthorn trees have self-seeded under the mature tree canopy. |
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The river through the trees. |
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River North Esk, below the castle. |
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| The Falconers : Image source Wikipedia. In the Middle Ages,ownership of bird's of prey was considered a symbol of status and a rich nobleman would keep a falconry. Falcons were very valuable and the job of head falconer was a position requiring great expertise and knowledge. |
