Archaeology Notes

Event ID 716434

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/716434

NT41SW 9.00 44938 14885

NT41SW 9.01 449 148 Sundial

(NT 4493 1488) Harden (NR) on site of Tower (NR)

OS 25" map (1967)

Strongly situated above a deep ravine, the present house of Harden dates from the 17th century. It succeded an earlier tower which was destroyed about 1590. The house has been considerably added to and rearranged internally between 1680-90 and again in the 19th century. These additions have all been erected on the N side, and have not altered the appearance of the original S front. The earliest work was an oblong house of two storeys and an attic, measuring 74 ft 9 ins E-W by 18 ft 3 ins. This was extended 25 ft 8 ins to the E in 1680.

RCAHMS 1956, visited 1936; N Tranter 1962; Name Book 1858

Robert Scott bought Harden from Lord Home in 1501; the family removed to Merton late in the 18th century and thereafter it degenerated to a farmhouse. It was restored in the mid-19th century and is now the seat of Lord Polwarth.

A 17th century sundial from Dryburgh House stands E of the house. It is 4 ft high with a moulded base, twisted shaft, and square dial-stone. On the W of the house there is a bowling green which may be as old as the 17th century.

Information from OS Recorder (IF) 8 May 1979

No change from the previous information.

Visited by OS (MJF) 15 January 1980.