This week in the castle world brought a remarkable blend of rediscovery, diplomacy, archaeology, and even the chance to buy your own fortress. From the windswept Hebrides to the gilded halls of Windsor, here are the stories that stood out.
✨ Forgotten Royal Castle Uncovered on Islay
Archaeologists in Scotland have confirmed the rediscovery of a long-lost medieval royal castle at Finlaggan, on the island of Islay. The site, tied to the powerful MacDonald clan, has long been known as the seat of the Lords of the Isles. However, new research has uncovered evidence of a substantial 12th- or 13th-century fortress that had previously faded into scholarly obscurity (Archaeology Magazine).
Built across two loch islands, the complex was split between a stone tower residence and service buildings, including kitchens, workshops, and a feasting hall. More than a clan stronghold, Finlaggan became the center of power for rulers who rivaled the Scottish crown itself. By the 14th century, it evolved into a royal residence from which the MacDonalds governed much of the Hebrides. These discoveries are rewriting the site’s role in medieval politics — and reminding us that Scotland’s remote landscapes still hold stories waiting to be uncovered.
👑 Windsor Castle: Diplomacy Meets Pageantry
Windsor Castle once again took center stage in global politics as US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited during their UK state tour. King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted ceremonies filled with regal pomp, culminating in a lavish state banquet attended by world leaders, Rupert Murdoch, and major figures from the technology sector (Sky News).
Amid the grand procession and toasts, one softer moment stood out: Melania Trump’s visit to the Royal Library, where she spent time with local children — highlighting Windsor’s role not only as a seat of power but as a cultural hub for education and tradition (CNN). The visit underscored Windsor’s unique duality: a medieval castle that remains central to modern diplomacy.
🏺 Archaeology at Magna Roman Fort
Far from royal feasts, archaeologists and volunteers at the Magna Roman Fort in northern England are uncovering new clues about life on Rome’s imperial edge. This week, teams focused on geochemical soil analysis to identify long-lost rooms of the fort, with hopes of pinpointing the elusive praetorium bath suite (Roman Army Museum).
Other efforts have traced sections of the southern fort wall once thought destroyed. Each trench brings new surprises, reminding us that Roman, medieval, and modern layers of history often overlap in ways still waiting to be explained.
💰 Castles for Sale: Spain’s Hidden Gems
If you’ve ever dreamed of restoring your own fortress, Spain is offering intriguing prospects this month.
- Valhermoso de la Fuente, Cuenca: For just €50,000, buyers can claim a medieval watchtower with panoramic views and a 15,000 m² plot. Subsidies reportedly cover up to 80% of restoration costs (Sur in English).
- Malasombra Castle, Guadalajara: A 15th-century fortress listed at €450,000, needing substantial work but rich in potential (Sur in English).
- Monumento de Maqueda, Toledo: A vast Castilian landmark priced at €3.25 million, with enough space to reimagine as a boutique hotel or cultural venue (Sur in English).
These listings highlight how castles are more than historic monuments — they’re living opportunities for those willing to take on the challenge of preservation.
📌 This Week’s Final Word
From the rediscovery of a forgotten royal castle on Islay to high diplomacy at Windsor and the possibility of owning a Spanish stronghold, this week proved that castles remain at the crossroads of history, culture, and ambition. Whether you’re an archaeologist, a traveler, or a dreamer with restoration plans, the world of castles continues to offer stories worth telling.
