Archaeology Notes

Event ID 670054

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/670054

NJ72SE 41.00 78797 21193

(NJ 7879 2119) Keith Hall (NR)

OS 6" map, Aberdeenshire, 2nd ed., (1928)

NJ72SE 41.01 NJ 78129 22296 North Lodge

NJ72SE 41.02 NJ 79638 21292 East Lodge

NJ72SE 41.03 NJ 78423 20553 South Lodge

NJ72SE 41.04 NJ 7966 2101 Brae Cottage

NJ72SE 41.05 NJ 79067 21551 Home Farm

NJ72SE 41.06 NJ 78822 21704 Walled Garden

NJ72SE 41.07 NJ 7890 2095 Boathouse

NJ72SE 41.08 NJ 7827 2063 Urie Cottage

NJ72SE 41.09 NJ 78866 21745 Gardener's Cottage

NJ72SE 41.10 NJ 78952 20986 Ice House

NJ72SE 41.11 NJ 78719 21383 Stables and Coach House, Centre Block

NJ72SE 41.12 NJ 79227 21747 Home Farm Cottages, East Cottage

NJ72SE 41.13 NJ 78246 22168 North Drive, Bridge

NJ72SE 41.14 NJ 79214 21745 Home Farm Cottages, West Cottage

NJ72SE 41.15 NJ 78702 21381 Stables and Coach House, West Wing

NJ72SE 41.16 NJ 78710 21385 Stables and Coach House, Left Block

NJ72SE 41.17 NJ 78725 21381 Stables and Coach House, Right Block

NJ72SE 41.18 NJ 78735 21381 Stables and Coach House, East Wing

NJ72SE 41.19 NJ 78729 21387 Stables and Coach House, Rear Block

NJ72SE 41.20 NJ 78867 21769 Gardener's Cottage, Bothy

For (possible predecessor) moated site of Caskieben (NJ 7879 2135) and Pictish Symbol Stone in the policies (NJ 7799 2018 and 7880 2135), see NJ72SE 40 and NJ72SE 46 respectively. For sand and gravel workings (NJ 7852 2122) within the area of the policies, see NJ72SE 248.

About 1224 Norman de Leslie received the lands of Caskieben and was doubtless the builder of the Anglo-Norman castle which superseded the old tower (NJ72SE 40).

The castle of Caskieben that was enlarged after 1662 by the addition of a Renaissance mansion in front, and re-named Keith Hall, was, however, a fine example of the Z-plan, a style which, although probably originating in the district, was, at the earliest, 15th century (Huntly, built about 1452, is the only pre-Reformation example of its type) (Cruden 1960).

W D Simpson 1949; S H Cruden 1960.

The name Keith Hall applies to the 17th century house which is a good example of its period. The older building incorporated in the north part of the house is still known as 'Caskieben', but there are no visible external architectural features suggestive of a 13th century date.

Visited by OS (NKB) 16 March 1964.

Air photographs: AAS/94/01/G3/12.

NMRS, MS/712/21.

(location cited as NJ 7879 2119: Site of Regional Significance). Standing building on gentle slope at altitude of 60m OD. Keith Hall: Anglo-Norman castle built c. 1224 which superseded the motte of Caskieben (NJ72SE 40); Norman de Leslie was doubtless the builder. Originally a Z-plan castle, it once belonged to the Johnstons of Caskieben, by which name it was known until it was sold to Sir John Keith in 1662. He built on the large and stately S front and E wing to the old tower between 1662 and 1700, which completely altered the aspect of the building. He was created Earl of Kintore in 1677. His descendants heold the seat until c. 1985 when it was sold and converted into flats. Gardens designed by Capability Brown.

[Air photographic imagery and references to periodicals and newspapers listed].

NMRS, MS/712/35.