Eilean Donan is a small tidal island in the western Highlands of Scotland. The Eilean Donan Castle, is one of Scotland’s most easily recognized castles, and appears frequently in calendars, films, shortbread tins, and photographs. Apart from being a picturesque castle in the middle of a body of water, the Eilean Donan Castle is also notable for its history.
Arguably the darkest part of Eilean Donan Castle’s history is when it played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1719, the castle was occupied by 46 Spanish soldiers who were part of the force sent to raise support for the Jacobites in Scotland. The English, got news of the plan, and sent three frigates to deal with the matter.
The ships bombarded the castle for three days, though the defenders were well-protected by its massive walls. A land assault followed, and the outnumbered Spanish surrendered. A Spanish magazine with 343 barrels of gunpowder was discovered in the castle, and this was used to blow up the structure.
Arguably the darkest part of Eilean Donan Castle’s history is when it played a role in the Jacobite risings of the 17th and 18th centuries. In 1719, the castle was occupied by 46 Spanish soldiers who were part of the force sent to raise support for the Jacobites in Scotland. The English, got news of the plan, and sent three frigates to deal with the matter.
The ships bombarded the castle for three days, though the defenders were well-protected by its massive walls. A land assault followed, and the outnumbered Spanish surrendered. A Spanish magazine with 343 barrels of gunpowder was discovered in the castle, and this was used to blow up the structure.
What is a Rapier?
A Rapier is a one-handed, thrust-centric sword common to the Renaissance. The word first begins to be used in France in the late 15th century, referring to swords as an “Epée Rapiere,” and it continues to see common use into the mid 17th century, and even into the 18th century in countries such as Spain.
Common sub-types of Rapier include the swept hilt (2), cup hilt (3), pappenheimer (4), and ring hilt (5) (also called a seven ring, or some variation thereupon,) and the rapier is likely the weapon which has the most manuals written on its use. Contrary to popular belief, Rapiers are not particularly light swords, sometimes weighing as much as longswords, up to 5 lbs/2.25 kg.
A Rapier is a one-handed, thrust-centric sword common to the Renaissance. The word first begins to be used in France in the late 15th century, referring to swords as an “Epée Rapiere,” and it continues to see common use into the mid 17th century, and even into the 18th century in countries such as Spain.
Common sub-types of Rapier include the swept hilt (2), cup hilt (3), pappenheimer (4), and ring hilt (5) (also called a seven ring, or some variation thereupon,) and the rapier is likely the weapon which has the most manuals written on its use. Contrary to popular belief, Rapiers are not particularly light swords, sometimes weighing as much as longswords, up to 5 lbs/2.25 kg.