Origins and Early History
Glamis Castle’s origins trace back to the 14th century, though the site itself may have been occupied earlier. The castle’s earliest known structure was built around 1372, when Sir John Lyon was granted the lands of Glamis by King Robert II of Scotland. This initial grant marked the beginning of the Lyon family’s long association with the castle—a lineage that continues to this day.
Sir John Lyon, known as the "White Lyon of Glamis," was a significant figure at the Scottish court and married into the royal family. His marriage to Princess Joanna, daughter of King Robert II, further cemented the Lyon family’s prominence. The castle originally served both as a fortress and a noble residence, constructed to assert control over the region and provide defense against rival clans and English incursions.
The original Glamis Castle was built as a typical medieval fortress with strong defensive features such as thick stone walls, battlements, and towers. However, little of this earliest structure remains visible today, as the castle has undergone extensive rebuilding and expansion over the centuries. shutdown123