Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother
Thane of Glamis
You probably already know that Glamis Castle in Angus (childhood home of Elizabeth Bowes Lyon, who later became Queen consort to George VI, best known as Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother) was the inspiration for Shakespeare‘s Macbeth aka the Thane of Glamis. The bard’s notion of history may have been a little inaccurate but hey, who’s counting?
So, it’s entirely fitting that the woodland in the castle grounds forms the backdrop for the Macbeth trail – seven wooden tableau depicting the principal characters from the play, each with a tasteful scrolled inscription on a plaque.
The three witches. ‘When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightning or in rain? When the hurly burly’s done, when the battle’s lost and won’
King Duncan. ‘There’s no art to find the mind’s construction in the face’
Macbeth. ‘Is this a dagger which I see before me? The handle toward my hand’
Banquo staggering in death. ‘Revenge’
Lady Macbeth sleepwalking. ‘Out damned spot, out I say’
Macbeth contemplating the death of his wife and the futility of it all. ‘Out, out brief candle, life’s but a walking shadow’
Macduff, Macbeth’s head in his hand. ‘I have no words; my voice is my sword’
I spent over six happy hours in the castle and grounds on Monday. Well worth a visit whether or not you’re a fan of Shakespeare – one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, steeped in history, set in fabulous grounds, stunning gardens, and the poshest picnic spot I’ve ever encountered! What’s not to like? Oh, and it even has its own set of ghost stories to boot.