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Fatlips through the
trees atop Minto Crags
In a future article the author will cover in
greater detail the history, description, and present condition of the
Fatlips Castle Tower House. This proud structure once the fortress of
the famous Border Reiver Turnbull of Barnhill was destroyed by
Hertford’s Border raids in 1545. It became the property of Sir Gilbert
Elliot whose descendants, the Earls of Minto, rebuilt it in 1857 and
still own it as part of Minto Estate. The interior of Fatlips was
renovated into a comfortable shooting box and trophy museum in 1898 but
has fallen on hard times and vandalism since.
Views From Fatlips Castle
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It is no longer safe to climb to the top of the tower as the parapet
wall has begun to crumble so the single door has been bricked-up.
The views of the Teviot and Rule valley to the east and south from
the base of the castle are well worth the trek. From the top of the
castle tower those views are extended far in all directions such
that no friend or enemy could have arrived by surprise. |
Interior of Fatlips
Castle. The walls are still strong but the timbers are rotten. |
Nettle Trail Back
We
walked around the base of Fatlips and, on the north side, noticed what
appeared to be a way back towards the sheep |
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pasture. A path was not visible but a winding trail of bright green
young waist-high stinging nettles stood out in contrast from the older
trees and bushes. We decided that it would be better to tackle the
nettles than tangled maze of rhododendrons with which we had struggled
on the way up. With care we pushed the nettled down with our soles as
we moved slowly down the hill which now seemed much smaller. Had we but
turned left instead of right as we came through the south gate we would
have had a much easier access to Fatlips Castle but less story and
memories.
Aidan's Corner
Turnbull’s Top in Combat for 2004
 Aidan
Turnbull, CinC for the Turnbull Household of the Medieval Siege Society,
UK’s largest single 15th century re-enactment groups reports:
The Turnbull Army took part in a successful
campaign at this July’s Battle of Tewkesbury, fighting on the
Lancastrian side which was effectively wiped out by the Yorkists,
some two-days running. Despite early setbacks Turnbull cousins Emanwel
and lltyd managed battle scores of 18 kills each with around 4 probably
dead. Aidan managed to kill 4 peasants and just 10 active soldiers,
including the acting Bishop of Bath & Wells (who unfortunately, was on
our side, blessing the troops at the time). “What can I say? He seemed
to get in my way!” Aidan confesses.
Westenhangar Castle June 2004.
Aidan was selected to lead the attacking wedge of
the English forces against the French at the 2 days of combat in the
grounds of this 12th century castle. Voted “man of the march” for
his‘kill-em-all-and-let-God- sort-it-out’ slogan “I like to speak out on
social issues,” he comments.
At the Siege of Rye in July 2004, Aidan took part
in hand-to-hand combat displays along the medieval streets of Rye where
he was (unfortunately) resoundingly beaten in single combat and lost a
tasset (steel thigh protection plate) after a fight with Aidan Pinn of
the Teutonic Knights.
Fortunately a nearby blacksmith was able to replace
the popped rivets so his armour is now 100%.
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