There was a castle near where we were staying on holiday at Rutland Water. Oakham Castle dates from the 12th century. Much of the stone walls and the earthen ramparts surrounding the courtyard survive, though overgrown. (Sorry no kilt this time as I was on holiday and visiting an English castle) The only surviving building is the Great Hall, which was built between 1180 and 1190. It was re-roofed in more modern times. An outstanding example of a 12th century vaulted hall. The hall owes its survival to being used as the local Court House for 800 years until recent times. Here we see some courtroom furniture. Looking the other way we can't help but admire the fine collection of horeshoes - an ancient English custom whereby other landowners would give a horse shoe to the Lord of the Manor as a forfeit. We conclude with a view of horseshoes given by two Scottish Lairds, The 10th Marquis of Huntly and the Earl of Dysart.
Regional Director for Scotland for Clan Cunningham International, and a Scottish Armiger.
Another nice tour, thanks. Regards, Scott Gilmore PS - According to my uncle Bob, the horseshoes need to point up or the luck runs out. . . ;·}
Originally Posted by Scott Gilmore Another nice tour, thanks. Regards, Scott Gilmore PS - According to my uncle Bob, the horseshoes need to point up or the luck runs out. . . ;·} There are also some who say, Scott, that the horseshoe should point down to allow the luck to spread throughout the house, or if it is hung over the threshold of a house, to protect the dwelling from witches. I've seen it listed "both ways" in a number of folklore books. Judging by the number of horseshoes, I doubt any witches will cross the castle's threshold! :mrgreen: Cheers, Todd
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