Detail of coronet decoration on vaulted ceiling of bedroom

Description Detail of coronet decoration on vaulted ceiling of bedroom

Date 11/1961

Collection Records of the Scottish National Buildings Record, Edinburgh, Scotland

Catalogue Number DF 297

Category Photographs and Off-line Digital Images

Copies SC 767386

Scope and Content Detail of Central Ceiling Boss in Vaulted Bedroom, Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfries & Galloway This splendid ceiling boss covers the intersection of the ribs in the groin-vaulted bedroom on the ground floor of the west wing of the house. The room was originally the duke's closet or small private sitting room. The boss is carved with the monogram and coronet of William, Marquess of Queensberry, which dates the construction of the room to some time between 1682 and 1684. 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, was built between 1679 and 1690 for William Douglas, 1st Duke of Queensberry, on the site of a late 14th-century Douglas stronghold. The castle passed to the Dukes of Buccleuch in 1810, and is now the home of the 9th Duke (11th Duke of Queensberry). It houses many great family treasures and works of art, including fine carvings and an important collection of paintings. Source: RCAHMS contribution to SCRAN.

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