Archaeology Notes

Event ID 689906

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/689906

NO53SW 2 5063 3368.

(NO 5063 3368) Ardestie Castle (NR) (Remains of)

OS 6" map 81923)

Ashbank (NAT) on site of Ardestie Castle (NR)

OS 1:10000 map (1974)

The remains of Ardestie Castle are now very slight, consisting only of part of the foundations, which can be distinctly seen, forming two sides of a square, leading to the belief that it was of the same construction as Auchinleck and Hynd Castles, although apparently much larger.

Three sculptured stones were dug from here some time ago, undoubtedly the remains of the chapel which has been within the building (Name Book 1858). Two of these bear the initials I H S and a human heart pierced

by three nails, and the other, M A R. The finest of these was found during agricultural improvements by the present tenant.

A door lintel on one of the cottages bears C I C P 1688 (Countess Jean Campbell of Panmure), and D I A : 1625 is on another. It is generally believed that the Earl of Panmure stayed at Ardestie.

A Jervise 1853

There is no evidence for the remains of a castle existing here now. The old farm out-building SW of Ashbank has thick walls, but does not have the appearance of antiquity. The stone dated 1688 is on the lintel of a door in the SE wall; that dated 1625 was not seen.

Visited by OS (JLD) 19 May 1958