THE MYSTERY OF GLAMIS CASTLE.

Dunstan Times, Issue 1110, 10 August 1883, Page 4

THE MYSTERY OF GLAMIS CASTLE.

The Smith wore family is one of the oklest and moat historical oi Scotland. They have been Earls since 1423, and inhabit a no le.-s historical •c stle than that of Glarais, associated with the Macheths. la 1455 Lady fctiwhmor**, fal.s ty accused of consi iracy by witchcraft against the life of King James IV of Scotland, was i unit in the Urassmarkets, Edinburgh Her son, driven desperate by persecution, flung himself over a rock and perished immediately. The title remained some years dormant, but was revived by James T. of England, VI. of Scotland. It is said the lady of ■Strathmore cursed her family for having abandoned her in her distress. He this as it may, here is what recently transpired in this ancient house Eor lour generations there has b< en a mystery at Glamis Castle which no one has ever been able te fathom. Some said it was a ghost, others a unateriously hidden treasure; but rumours of a moie or less uncanny nature floated round the country, and have done so for about 93 years. Four Earls of Strathmore have seated themselves in ancestral stave at Westminster, and yet all the while the real Ear', the eldest, of the family, was alive, hidden in the vast old feudal palace at Olurais. He died only last year, aged 92 years, and he was a monster. He stood eight feet in height. His head and the upper part of his body ''csenfl Ld that of a toad. His skin was marked with black and white splotches, and his hands were webbed. He could not speak or hear, but his eyes were bright but wild. He never showed signs of reason, and in order to avoid legal difficulties and painful revelations, this honor was hidden in a building erected on purpose. His gaolers were paid handsome annuities to keep silent. As each Earl succeeded to the estate he was taken to see this terrific creature, and it is said that one of these gentlemen almost lost his reason in beholding the loathsome and gigantic horror. Last year the poor wretch died, and his secret has come out, owing to diffi- « dti s concerning the disposal of Lis remains. Hie moat extraordinary part of it all is that the whereabouts of the monster Karl was kept so wonderfully quiet and also that he lived to such an advanced age.