Tuesday 21 February 2012

In Flight

Sitting in the middle of the River Dee surrounded by marsh, water and woodland the ruins of Threave Castle is a marvellous place for birds, and those that watch them.  This is one of those extra long cards that do not seem to fit anywhere but as it is so atmospheric I usually have it on display.  I imagine it as a still Autumn morning.  The river in past times was much higher at this point but in winter the level rises to surround the ruins.

The castle belonged to the Black Douglas clan, built in the1300s by Archibald the Grim. They seemed to call their offspring Archibald on a regular basis, I suppose having descriptive addition sorted who was who.  Although it is a name you would possibly think twice about accepting an invitation to visit.  The Black Douglas have an interesting, if bloody, history in the search for power.

An Entry to "Our Wonderful World Tuesday", the idea of  Cuckootree

3 comments:

Sheila @ A Postcard a Day said...

Archibald the Grim? I love the name as much as the picture!

Jocelyn said...

Wow Wow Wow - yes you are right it is atmospheric. Can you imagine approaching the castle in winter - the sky heavy and grey, the birds cawing in melancholy tones, the creak of the wagon wheels, the eerie sigh of the dead in their gibbets and the gate keeper says "Come to see Archibald the Killer then?"

Unknown said...

You are right - very atmospheric! Thanks for sharing!