5 Spynie : medieval architecture

Spynie, near Elgin, is unfortunately not very well-known, because it is a small castle. I came here in the first place thanks to a heritage program “Historic Scotland” ; the Explorer Pass. There is little to say about this castle, but it is for me a way to remind you that medieval castles were not only defensive buildings. As in Spynie, castles were also residential places, or mansions. Spynie was indeed the seat of the bishops of Morray, in Northern Scotland. It was the center of an important medieval town, even if there are no trace of this glorious past.

Nothing remains of the 13th century bishop’s fortified residence in Spynie. We can assume that these earlier buildings were made of timber, that’s why they have left no trace at all. Nowadays, visitors can still see walls of the 14^th century.

The most interesting part of the castle is David’s tower, named after the bishop who decided its construction (David Stewart) It is one of the largest tower houses in Scotland and measures 19 by 13,5 meters and 22 meters in height. It contained five floors and a vaulted basement.

 

The hall was the principal public room in the tower. In this room, the bishops entertained their guests and may also have held ecclesiastical ceremonies. The four upper floors were arranged with a large undivided central space, from which access could be made to a number of small chambers or closets set inside the walls. Each main room had a small fireplace, not really sufficient to heat it properly.