with Ingrid Thomson
When Shakespeare wrote Macbeth, he opened with a powerful line: “All hail, Macbeth! Hail to thee, Thane of Glamis.” But what did “Thane of Glamis” mean to his audience? Was Glamis Castle simply a dramatic choice, or a recognizable symbol of royal power and Scottish history? This week, we’re joined by Ingrid Thomson, Archivist at Glamis Castle, to explore the castle’s history during Shakespeare’s lifetime, its royal connections, ghostly legends, and how its story continues to shape the way we experience Shakespeare’s play today.
Looking for the Extras?
See more images and artifacts related to the history of Glamis Castle as a member of That Shakespeare Life. Inside these detailed show notes, Ingrid has shared exclusive insider photos of Glamis Castle and many of the architecural features we discussed today, along with portraits of the man who was Lord of Glamis during Shakespeare’s lifetime. Access all the details while you listen when you become a member:
Access the Detailed Show Notes
Summary
In this episode, Ingrid Thomson takes us behind the scenes of Glamis Castle—its transformation into a Renaissance palace during Shakespeare’s lifetime, its royal connections to James VI & I, its ghostly legends, and its place in both Scottish history and Shakespeare’s Macbeth. From archives that span centuries to modern theatrical traditions, Glamis Castle embodies the living legacy of Shakespeare’s Scotland.
Key Takeaways
- The Thane of Glamis: The title dates back to Sir John Lyon in 1372, and by Shakespeare’s lifetime, Patrick Lyon (9th Lord Glamis) was a trusted counselor to King James VI/I.
- Renaissance Transformations: During the early 1600s, Glamis was expanded into a Renaissance palace, including a new stair tower, great hall remodel, and symbolic decorations representing the union of Scotland and England.
- Royal & Political Power: Glamis Castle was a symbol of prestige, visited by Mary Queen of Scots and closely tied to King James. Patrick Lyon played a role in the Union of the Crowns.
- Ghostly Legends: Stories like the card game with the devil and the haunting Grey Lady were already circulating in Shakespeare’s day, echoing early modern fascination with witchcraft and the supernatural.
- Shakespeare’s Influence: Although Duncan was historically killed at Elgin, Glamis remains associated with Macbeth and continues to draw visitors today for both its real history and its theatrical connections.
- Archives & Treasures: The castle’s archives hold centuries of documents, including 17th-century recipe books with remedies like “worm broth” and “oil of toads.”
About Today’s Guest
Ingrid Thomson is a registered archivist with over 35 years’ experience. She is a graduate of Edinburgh University (MA Hons: Scottish Historical Studies) and University College London (Diploma in Archive Studies). She has worked in local government archives, business archives, university archives and she moved on to estate archives in 2010, when she became Glamis Castle Archivist. She formerly had various roles within the Centre for Archive and Information Studies at the University of Dundee, as programme administrator, tutor, mentor, and dissertation supervisor.
Ingrid has installed various exhibitions at Glamis Castle, including the Women of Glamis Exhibition in 2019. She compiled A Glamis Treasury, which was published in 2022 to mark the 650th Anniversary of the granting of the Thanage of Glamis by King Robert II to Sir John Lyon in 1372, as well as Ghosts of Glamis, and Glamis Castle Recipes and Remedies, based on 17th century recipes, published in 2024.
Resources Our Guest Recommends
- A Glamis Treasury (2022) – Celebrates the 650th anniversary of the Thanage of Glamis.
- Glamis: A Parish History by Rev. John Stirton (1913).
- Glamis Castle’s official history timeline: About Glamis Castle
- Glamis Castle Archives (with Women of Glamis exhibition): The Archives
- Poem on Macbeth and Glamis by James Sale: Classical Poets
Relevant Links
- Glamis Castle official website: glamis-castle.co.uk
- Follow Glamis Castle on social media for short historical clips and updates.
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/glamiscastlescotland/
X https://x.com/GlamisCastle
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