24 April 2025, 7.30 pm at the Holy Trinity Church – David Weinczok, historian, writer, presenter, museums professional and Canadian-born ‘New Scot’ based in Edinburgh since 2011.
Within East Lothian are the remains of thousands of years of fortifications, from Bronze Age hillforts to medieval castles and artillery defences. This talk by writer and historian David C. Weinczok will give a top-level overview of the best examples from each era, the most interesting sites to visit, and the historical developments that influenced fortification-building in East Lothian.
The talk’s focus is on prehistory through to the Early Modern period. Along the way you’ll find out why the 13th century was the ‘golden age’ of castle-building in Scotland, how locations like Chesters Hillfort challenge our assumptions about ancient fortifications, and the role that gunpowder weapons played in transforming and ultimately destroying East Lothian’s toughest bastions.
Examples of locations to be discussed include:
· Traprain Law
· Tantallon Castle
· Yester Castle
· Bass Rock
· Inveresk Roman Fort
What effects did major upheavals like the Roman invasions and Wars of Independence have on East Lothian’s fortifications? Who were the main castle-builders and castle-breakers? What are some of the most dramatic moments to emerge from their defence? Come along to discover the answers to all these questions and more in a journey through East Lothian!
About the speaker
David C. Weinczok is a Scottish historian, writer, presenter, and museums professional. A Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, he has written hundreds of articles for Scottish-interest publications including The Scots Magazine, History Scotland, Hidden Scotland, and The Scottish Banner. David’s 2019 book, The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers explored the parallels between Scottish history and the world of Westeros.
An avid traveler, he has visited thousands of castles, ancient monuments, and battlefields across Scotland. He is currently writing a creative non-fiction book about six of Scotland’s historic landscapes. David’s specialisms include castles, the Roman invasions of Scotland, the Viking Age, folklore, and the intersection between natural history and human settlements. He is originally from Canada and lives in Portobello, Edinburgh with his partner and dog.
Detail of David’s publications
The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers. 2019, Pen & Sword Books. Sold in major bookshops and historic sites across Scotland including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, as well as online direct via Pen & Sword Books and all major e-book sellers. Available in hardback, paperback, e-book and audiobook formats.
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