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House of the Binns, in West Lothian, Scotland, is famous for its former resident, Thomas ‘Bluidy Tam’ Dalyell, known for his cruelty and alleged supernatural encounters, writes TACE DORRIS
Thomas Dalyell and House of the Binns
Linlithgow’s House of the Binns has been home to the Dalyell family for centuries. The House of the Binns is set in beautiful grounds on two hills with peacocks wandering through the grass. It is a 17th century house full of history, mystery and intrigue. General Thomas Dalyell was the only one who invited the devil through their door.
Its most famous son, Thomas Dalyell (1615–85), had many names, all linked to his reputation for violence and oppression. He was drawn to war at a young age and, as a young teenager, entered military service in France to support the cause of the Huguenots.
On his return to Scotland he became involved in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (Scotland, England and Ireland), supporting King Charles I’s right to rule. A Scottish royalist, he served in Ulster, became a colonel and enhanced his reputation with his brutal and bloody deeds.
Bluidy Tam and the Muscovite Devil
After the execution of Charles I in 1649, Dalyell fled to Russia, where he served Tsar Alexis I in the Russo-Polish Wars, leading dragoons in battles. His actions in the wars earned him the nickname ‘Muscovite Devil’.
He fought in the Battle of Worcester with the forces of King Charles I and was imprisoned in the Tower of London after the defeat. He is said to have escaped and a heavy reward was placed on his head by Oliver Cromwell.
Returning to Scotland after the restoration of Charles II, the general was appointed Commander-in-Chief of Scotland with orders to suppress the Covenant rebellion. After defeating the Covenanters in Pentland, his brutal treatment of his prisoners earned him the nickname that would stick: ‘Bluidy Tam’.
Dealing with the devil
The legends surrounding ‘Bluidy Tam’ began not long after his death in 1685.
His most famous creepy story involves a marble-topped card table.
Dalyell is said to have used this table when he regularly played cards with the devil. During one game he tried to fool Auld Nick by placing a mirror behind the table so he could read his opponent’s cards. This angered the devil, who kicked the general against the table, narrowly missing him. The table ended up outside in the pond.
Nearly two centuries later, during a drought in the summer of 1878, the table at the bottom of the dried up pond was rediscovered and restored to its rightful place in the house.
Strangely enough, the table came out with a stain on one of the corners: a large hoof stain! To this day, no one can explain how that mark was left on the table.
Ghostly sightings of the general and his horse
The ghostly gray apparition of the General on his stallion has often been seen on horseback galloping down the road towards the House of the Binns.
Interestingly, the general is said to have been the founder of the ‘Royal Scots Greys’ Dragoons, known for wearing gray clothing and riding gray horses. I can confirm that the road there at night is quite creepy, especially if you know this story.
Another legend tells that after Tam’s death, his son took his father’s calvary boots home to Fife. He soon returned them, saying that the household had been waking up every night with the boots marching around the house alone. They also seemed to be boiling cold water that was on them.
His cruel legend continued
History shows that General Tam was the man who brought the terrible thumbscrews from Russia to Britain.
His bloody legacy continued in the torture of many innocent people accused and convicted of witchcraft.
The use of thumbscrews was common in the Scottish witch hunts, where torture for false confessions was common.
You can visit the House of The Binns today. I highly recommend checking out the table, the grounds – and the pond – and the place where “Bluidy Tam” was born.
Have you been to Huis van de Binns?? Tell us your thoughts on this article in the comments below!
