Built / Designed For: William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas

House & Family History: Sir Walter Scott described Tantallon Castle in his 1808 poem "Marmion." In 1924 the Dalrymple family donated the castle to the British government. Tantallon played an important role during World War II. In 1944, as part of the preparations for the Normandy invasion, captured German radar units were moved to the castle, where they were used for the training of RAF bomber crews who were part of the Allied effort to deceive the Germans as to the actual location of the Allied invasion of Europe.

House Listed: Category A

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: William Douglas, 1st Earl of Douglas, until 1384; George Douglas, 1st Earl of Angus, 1384-1403; William Douglas, 10th Earl of Angus, until 1611; William Douglas, 1st Marquess of Douglas and 11th Earl of Angus, 1611-60; James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas, 1660-99. Sir Hew Dalrymple, Lord North Berwick, 1699-1737.

Current Ownership Type: Historic Environment Scotland

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01620-892-727

Website: https://www.historicenvironment.scot

Historic Houses Member: No