Tantallon, the last truly great castle in Scotland, was the brainchild of William Douglas, a nobleman, who erected this formidable fortress in the mid-1300s at the peak of his influence.

In 1354, William inherited the estates of his father, Sir Archibald Douglas, and his uncle, the ‘Good Sir James Douglas,’ a close associate of Robert the Bruce. This included the barony of North Berwick. By 1358, William ascended to the title of Earl of Douglas, possibly coinciding with the commencement of Tantallon's construction by diligent masons.

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As the House of Douglas divided into the 'Black' and 'Red' branches in the 1380s, Tantallon fell into the hands of the 'Red Douglases' or the earls of Angus. This lineage held onto the castle for the next 300 years, frequently clashing with the Crown.

Tantallon faced significant sieges, notably by James IV in 1491, James V in 1528, and the notorious Oliver Cromwell in 1651. Cromwell's forces wreaked havoc to such an extent that the medieval fortress had to be abandoned.

Positioned by the sea, Tantallon featured a massive stone curtain wall enveloping a spacious courtyard and lofty stone towers for noble accommodations. While the seaward side of the curtain wall has crumbled over time, the castle strategically focused its defenses on the landward side.

Constructed in an era predating gunpowder artillery, Tantallon's stout walls were designed to resist trebuchets, battering rams, and bows and arrows. This defensive strategy led to the near absence of openings in the curtain wall, a concentration of defenses on the battlements at the wall top, and the presence of a wide, deep ditch in front of the wall.

To counter later artillery threats, owners took measures such as filling in wall chambers to withstand cannon shots, adding gun holes for firing at enemies, and incorporating external gun defenses like a gun tower by the outer gate and a ravelin (earthen gun emplacement). Unfortunately, these efforts proved futile in the face of Cromwell's heavy guns, which mercilessly tore apart the end towers in 1651.

In more recent times, Historic Scotland undertook excavations at Tantallon in 2013 and 2014 with volunteer assistance. These efforts uncovered the walls of early buildings in the outer ward, potential traces of the original entry across the outer close to the castle, and evidence of hastily erected ravelins.

East Lothian is a region located in the southeastern part of Scotland, United Kingdom. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and charming coastal towns. The county town of East Lothian is Haddington, and the area is renowned for its rich history, including medieval castles, historic houses, and ancient ruins.

The coastal areas of East Lothian boast beautiful beaches and scenic views of the North Sea. Popular seaside towns in the region include North Berwick and Dunbar, attracting both locals and visitors with their maritime charm.

East Lothian is also home to several notable landmarks, such as Tantallon Castle, Dirleton Castle, and the John Muir Country Park. These historic sites offer a glimpse into the region's past and showcase its architectural and cultural heritage.

The county is known for its agricultural activities, including farming and fishing, contributing to the local economy. East Lothian's rural character is complemented by its proximity to Edinburgh, making it an appealing destination for those seeking a blend of countryside tranquility and easy access to urban amenities.

Overall, East Lothian is a region with a diverse blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and a unique cultural identity within the United Kingdom.