On the reverse of the British pound note is an illustration of Brodick Castle. It began its illustrious history as a fortress built in the early fifth century. Located outside of the port of Brodick on the Scotland’s Isle of Arran, Brodick Castle has had its share of inhabitants. Beginning in the fifth century with Gaelic invaders, Brodick Castle has played a big part of history in that region of Europe.

After the Gaels had been there in the tenth century, Norse influence came upon the small Scottish island while it was under the nominal rule of the King of Norway. The castle’s position and the strategic advantage of that position made it a sought-after stronghold through the ages. By the 1200’s, the Isle of Arran had become very popular even as the Scots and the Norse battled for control of it. In 1266, after several attempts by Scottish kings to take back control of the island, they finally succeeded. Then, around the year 1295, the English gained control of the castle. Read the full story