15 February 2016
The King, an Earl and a Murder!
This weekend Castle Guide Joe Bennett will lead visitors on a gruesome journey into one of the most shocking and controversial acts in Stirling Castle’s long and fascinating history, the Douglas Murder.
Learn of the true story of the killing of William, the 8th Earl of Douglas by King James II. A story of how the young King of Scots, seeking to assert his royal authority, murders the Earl over dinner at the Castle on 22nd February 1452.
The murder, which appears to have been committed in hot blood, happened after King James II took personal control of his kingdom in 1449, having during his minority grown up in the midst of Douglas power, the Black Douglases being the most powerful magnates in Scotland at this time. However all that would change after this fateful night.
Delve deeper into our dark side and join Joe on our themed tour marking the anniversary this Sat 20 & Sun 21 February at 12pm & 2pm. Included in castle admission.