Monster of Glamis
Encyclopedia
The Monster of Glamis sometimes referred to as the Horror of Glamis, was allegedly a deformed member of the Bowes-Lyon
family, kept in seclusion in Glamis Castle
, Scotland
.
It is difficult to determine whether the 'Monster' is factual or not. Much of the available information comes from James Wentworth Day
's The Queen Mother's Family Story, published in 1967.
Lady Glamis. They were the great-great-grandparents of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
, who became Queen Consort in 1936. Thomas was recorded in Robert Douglas's Peerage of Scotland as "born and died, October 21, 1821".
The legend of his survival appears to have started in local villages as the result of an account by the midwife (whose name was not recorded). The deformed
child was alleged to have been in rude health when the midwife left, causing suspicion when his death was announced a day or two later. The child Thomas has no gravestone, a matter which tends to support the initial rumours. (Thomas had been baptised
as a Christian
on birth.)
He was said to have been nursed through infancy in secret and later confined in one of Glamis Castle's many (and several are known) secret rooms
. This part of the story of Thomas did not become current until the 1960s, when family accounts were first published.
Bowes-Lyon
Bowes-Lyon is a Scottish family; see the following articles for more information, including information on individual members:*Baron Bowes*Claude Bowes-Lyon, 14th Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne*Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne*Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon*Gibside...
family, kept in seclusion in Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle is situated beside the village of Glamis in Angus, Scotland. It is the home of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and is open to the public....
, Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
.
It is difficult to determine whether the 'Monster' is factual or not. Much of the available information comes from James Wentworth Day
James Wentworth Day
James Wentworth Day was a British writer and occasional broadcaster, firmly of the Agrarian Right school and essentially a High Tory. He lived for most of his life in East Anglia, an area which would always be his first love; he had a particular interest in wildfowling, and at one stage owned...
's The Queen Mother's Family Story, published in 1967.
Birth
The alleged "monster" of Glamis was Thomas Bowes-Lyon, rightful Lord Glamis, first child of George Bowes-Lyon and Charlotte Grimstead, later the DowagerDowager
A dowager is a widow who holds a title or property, or dower, derived from her deceased husband. As an adjective, "Dowager" usually appears in association with monarchical and aristocratic titles....
Lady Glamis. They were the great-great-grandparents of Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon
Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon was the queen consort of King George VI from 1936 until her husband's death in 1952, after which she was known as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, to avoid confusion with her daughter, Queen Elizabeth II...
, who became Queen Consort in 1936. Thomas was recorded in Robert Douglas's Peerage of Scotland as "born and died, October 21, 1821".
The legend of his survival appears to have started in local villages as the result of an account by the midwife (whose name was not recorded). The deformed
Deformity
A deformity, dysmorphism, or dysmorphic feature is a major difference in the shape of body part or organ compared to the average shape of that part.Deformity may arise from numerous causes:*A Genetic mutation*Damage to the fetus or uterus...
child was alleged to have been in rude health when the midwife left, causing suspicion when his death was announced a day or two later. The child Thomas has no gravestone, a matter which tends to support the initial rumours. (Thomas had been baptised
Baptism
In Christianity, baptism is for the majority the rite of admission , almost invariably with the use of water, into the Christian Church generally and also membership of a particular church tradition...
as a Christian
Christian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
on birth.)
He was said to have been nursed through infancy in secret and later confined in one of Glamis Castle's many (and several are known) secret rooms
Secret passage
Secret passages, also commonly referred to as hidden passages or secret tunnels, are hidden routes used for stealthy travel. Such passageways are sometimes inside buildings leading to secret rooms. Others allow occupants to enter or exit buildings without being seen...
. This part of the story of Thomas did not become current until the 1960s, when family accounts were first published.
Mentions in fiction
- In the story Vengeance for a Lonely Man (London, Headline, 1992.) by Simon Green, the plot and some events seems to be inspired heavily by the tale of The Monster and to a lesser extent Glamis Castle itself.
- The short story The Horror at Chilton Castle by Joseph Payne BrennanJoseph Payne BrennanJoseph Payne Brennan was an American writer of fantasy and horror fiction, and also a poet. He lived most of his life in New Haven, Connecticut, and worked at the Yale Library for over 40 years....
also has striking similarities to the tale of the Monster. - In the comic book series The InvisiblesThe InvisiblesThe Invisibles is a comic book series that was published by the Vertigo imprint of DC Comics from 1994 to 2000. It was created and scripted by Scottish writer Grant Morrison, and drawn by various artists throughout its publication....
, the character of the Moonchild is said to be the Monster of Glamis. - in Haunted by Kelley ArmstrongKelley ArmstrongKelley Armstrong is a Canadian author, primarily of fantasy works.She has published sixteen fantasy novels , set in the world of the Women of the Otherworld and the Darkest Powers series, also two crime novels in 2007 and 2009...
, the story of the Monster of Glamis is linked to the demon DantalianDantalionIn demonology, Dantalion is a powerful Great Duke of Hell, with thirty-six legions of demons under his command; a Jinn, he is the 71st of 72 spirits of Solomon. He teaches all arts and sciences, and also declares the secret counsel of anyone, given that he knows the thoughts of all people and can...
, trapped within the walls of Glamis Castle. - in the novel "Death at Glamis Castle" by Robin PaigeRobin PaigeRobin Paige is the pseudonym of husband-and-wife team writing team Susan Wittig Albert and Bill Albert.See the entry on Susan Wittig Albert....
the Monster of Glamis tale is stirred up during a murder investigation. - In the 1940s, French surrealist author Maurice Sandoz wrote "The Maze," a novel clearly based on the legend of the Glamis monster. In this story, however, the "monster" is a kindly, long-lived Scottish nobleman who had the misfortune to be born in the shape of a toad (or frog). His existence is kept secret, and he manages his affairs and property through a series of nephews. In 1953, the novel was filmed by director William Cameron MenziesWilliam Cameron MenziesWilliam Cameron Menzies was an Academy Award-winning American film production designer and art director who also worked as a director, producer, and screenwriter during a career spanning five decades...
as The MazeThe Maze (1953 film)The Maze is a 1953, atmospheric science fiction, horror film in 3-D starring Richard Carlson and actress Hillary Brooke. Directed by William Cameron Menzies, it was distributed by Allied Artists Pictures. This was to be the second 3-D film designed and directed by William Cameron Menzies. Menzies,...
. - In M. J. TrowM. J. TrowMeirion James Trow is a writer who writes under the name M. J. Trow.-Biography:Trow was born in Ferndale, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Wales. He went to Warwick School from 1961 to 1968. In 1968 he went to King's College, London, to read history. After graduation he spent a year at Jesus College, Cambridge...
's LestradeInspector LestradeInspector G. Lestrade is a fictional character, a Scotland Yard detective appearing in several of the Sherlock Holmes stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Doyle used the name of a friend from his days at the University of Edinburgh, a Saint Lucian medical student by the name of Joseph Alexandre Lestrade....
and the Gift of the Prince, "John", Earl Beardie, is the bastard son of Queen VictoriaVictoria of the United KingdomVictoria was the monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death. From 1 May 1876, she used the additional title of Empress of India....
and her ghillie John BrownJohn Brown (servant)John Brown was a Scottish personal servant and favourite of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom for many years. He was appreciated by many for his competence and companionship, and resented by others for his influence and informal manner...
.
External links
- The Monster of Glamis, Mike DashMike DashMike Dash is a Welsh writer, historian and researcher. He is best known for his books and articles looking at unusual historical events, anomalous phenomena, and strange beliefs.-Biography:...
, Charles Fort Institute, 2009