Find images
Highlights
John Slezer
About the views
Making engravings
Contact us
Dunotter - 'The Prospect of Dunotter Castle'
Dramatically perched on cliffs above the North Sea, Dunottar Castle near Stonehaven had been a fortified stronghold from at least the 7th century. In Slezer's time it was used to imprison Covenanters. It was also where the Scottish crown jewels were hidden during Oliver Cromwell's invasion in 1650.
Slezer surveyed fortifications in Scotland in his capacity as the military's Chief Engineer. This prospect was based on some of the first drawings he made in that role.
Image from Theatrum Scotiae by John Slezer, 1693.
To the Right Honourable George Earl of Marischal, Lord Keith and Allrie, &c. Hereditary Mareschal of Scotland.
It lies in the Shire of the Mairnes, and is situated upon a high and inaccessible Rock stretcht out into the Sea, and fortified with strong Walls. It is one of the Dwellings of the Earls Mareschal, the Chief of the Keiths, who for the Warlike Valour of their Predecessors in defending their Country from Foreign Enemies, were made Hereditary Mareschals of Scotland.
