
Thursday Doors is fast becoming a family affair as this week’s photos were contributed by my grandson Lukas which he took on a recent visit to Antrim Castle Gardens. He found a colourful mosaic while he was there.


The statue of a dog to the left of the above image has an interesting story attached to it.

In 1607, not long after she married Sir Hugh Clotworthy, the daughter of Sir Roger Langford, Lady Marian, was standing by the water’s edge on the shores of Lough Neagh when a growl came from behind her. Turning around she was confronted by a huge wolf, ready to pounce, and this caused her to faint. Just in time, an Irish wolfhound came to her rescue and when the young woman woke up from her swoon she was relieved to see her attacker dead. Unfortunately, the wolfhound was badly injured so Marian took the brave dog back to her home at Antrim Castle and nursed it back to health. Once the animal had made a decent recovery, it disappeared.
However, some years later a wolfhound was heard baying during a storm and the castle wardens lit a large fire to see what was going on. They were shocked to discover their enemies gathering close by getting ready to attack. Only one shot was fired from the castle but it was enough to disperse the enemy and at dawn, the stone statue of the wolfhound was discovered on the highest turret. Historians have said that Sir Hugh went to a lot of trouble to make a mystery out of the appearance of the statue and over the four centuries since it was formed, it’s been moved a few times. It looks to me to be in pretty good condition for its age.

Dan has lots of links to interesting doors over on his blog this week. Thank you Lukas for your contribution to this week’s Thursday Doors from Antrim Castle Gardens.
Love the story of the wolfhound! I think a lot of people misjudge them to be like wolves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Years ago some friends of mine had an Irish wolfhound and he was a fabulous dog with the sweetest nature.
LikeLike
Your grandson has a good eye and a flair for choosing a good subject. I enjoyed the story of the wolfhound. the castle and the mosaic are both lovely. Thanks Jean!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lukas will be delighted you liked it, Dan.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Castle, gardens, and a wolfhound story. Life is good.
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now we can travel, I’ll try to get more castle doors, Janet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And if nothing else, just force yourself to be out and seeing castles. 🙂 Not much of that to be seen here!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A brilliant dog story, the mosaic and all the photos. And yes, Thursday Doors is the family affair! I love that and getting photos from family members! He did really well and I thank him.
I must tell you that when you said that my uncle had a wicked sense of humour in your comment to an older door post (when he sent me a photo of the fridge door), my mother asked me in worry why you think this. She was not familiar with the colloquial use of the word. 😀 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your poor mother must have been confused, lol.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great story and door. 👏🏻, Lucas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Judy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This Marian, Author Lady, loves the wolfhound stories. Please thank Lucas for the marvelous pictures. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll pass that on to my grandson, thanks Marian. He’ll be delighted.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is really a brilliant story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
It is.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great story.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person