The Crypt

By walking through this door one passes back through time to the middle ages.

This crypt was the Lower Hall of the 15th century tower house where the lord's retainers would dine. The original entrance to the tower was probably always at this level, but theprecise arrangements are unclear. The present wide stair from the front door is a l9th century alteration to an existing staircase in the same position built by the 1st Earl of Kinghorne. To the left of this stair is a door giving access to a narrow stair which leads down to the well and to the 16th century kitchen. It once opened also onto a circular stair up to the Great Hall, blocked up when the presentwide stair in the angle tower was added to the Castle 1600- 1606. The old well at the bottom of the stair was the Castle's only source of water, but has long since dried up: Many years ago silver plate and other valuables were discovered hidden in it. The 16th century 'kitchen' was formed out of two of three barrel- vaulted cellars. It may have originally been intended as a lower hall or guardroom. It was restored in 1990 and is used for private receptions.

The width of the Crypt walls can be judged by looking at the windows. There are many objects of interest to be seen. Chain mail hanging here dates from the 19th century. There are numerous big game heads and trophies of arms and armour and even a saddle, a relic of Cromwell's occupation together with Jacobean oak furniture. This is one of the oldest, strongest and most impregnable parts of the building.

The secret chamber, about which are woven many legends, is thought to be located deep in the thickness of the crypt walls on the left as you face the two small windows at the end (the wall on the left of the photogaph). In this room it is said that one of the Lords of Glamis and the 'Tiger' Earl of Crawford played cards with the Devil himself on the Sabbath. So great were the resulting disturbances that eventually the room was built up and permanently sealed 300 years later. (Other long lost secret passages are believed to exist under the Dutch Garden) The Crypt stairs lead up to the Drawing Room.