North facade, view of clock tower from east. Digital image of D 68491/cn

Description North facade, view of clock tower from east. Digital image of D 68491/cn

Date 13/6/2000

Collection Records of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), Edinbu

Catalogue Number SC 764738

Category On-line Digital Images

Copy of D 68491 CN

Scope and Content Clock-Tower, North Front, Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries & Galloway, from the east This clock-tower, which carried up through two storeys from the terrace (right) on the north front, contains the grand entrance porch at its base. The lower storeys are framed by giant-order Corinthian pilasters (right), and have windows with elaborate coats-of-arms carved within their pediments. The tower rises to a balustraded flat lead roof, and is topped by an octagonal clock-turret with fluted angle pilasters. Its domed lead roof, similar to the crowned cupola over the entrance to Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, is encircled by a magnificent coronet, a symbol of ducal power. William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry, was born in 1637. As Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, he wielded great power, and was a prominent figure in Scottish politics. He was created Marquess of Queensberry in 1682 and Duke of Queensberry in 1684. He built Drumlanrig as his family seat, but is said to have 'well-nigh ruined himself' with the costs incurred and his ambitious building works. He died in 1695 and was succeeded by his first son, James. Drumlanrig Castle, one of the great Renaissance courtyard houses of Scottish domestic architecture, stands within extensive parkland amongst the hills of Nithsdale. The mansion was built between 1679 and 1690 for William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry, incorporating part of a mid-16th-century house and the remains of a late 14th-century Douglas stronghold which originally stood on the site. The architect was almost certainly James Smith who had worked on the construction of Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh, and the builder was William Lukup who is buried in Durisdeer churchyard nearby. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/764738

File Format (TIF) Tagged Image File Format bitmap