Architecture Notes

Event ID 830954

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Architecture Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/830954

Duntreath Castle: Much of the original building has long since been removed, but in the 17th century, (infra) the castle must have been a very imposing one, as it then consisted of a tower and a quadrangular set of buildings enclosing a central courtyard (MacGibbon and Ross 1887-92). Now, however, only the tower survives, together with part of a large Victorian edifice, most of which was demolished in 1958. The tower is a tall rectangular structure, 47' x 26'9" over all, datable to the latter half of the 15th century. Its random rubble walls average 4' in thickness, and the SE gable incorporates the end wall of an earlier building as high as the second storey. The building contains three main storeys and an attic and rises to a parapet-walk, which, however, has been renewed above the corbel-course at the wall-head.

The age of the earlier building to the SE of the tower, whose side walls were thinner than those of the tower, is uncertain.

On the available evidence it seems probable that the building, which may conceivably date from soon after 1364 was the predecessor of the tower now standing but was reconstructed, perhaps as a chapel as was suggested by MacGibbon and Ross, at some time after the building of the tower, perhaps in the 16th century. This earlier building, together with the tower, formed the nucleus of a later complex which ultimately came to enclose a central courtyard and to produce a quadrangular plan. These buildings were largely destroyed in the 19th century.

The court was enclosed on its NW side by a barmkin wall which at its centre contained the gatehouse. The latter, which measured 30' x 20', was in the form of a great frontal block, 3 storeys high, flanked by angle turrets on its outer face. At its base an arched pend provided the principal entrance to the castle.

The evidence for construction at the turn of the 16th and 17th centuries, as provided by the gatehouse, is reinforced by the style of the other courtyard buildings.

Duntreath was allowed to fall into ruin after the end of the 17th century, and it was in this state when, after 1857, Sir Archibald Edmonstone restored the castle as a family seat. These restorations began with the erection of a new SW range on the site of the old one, but eventually most of the old work, including the gatehouse and kitchen range was pulled down to make way for a vast scheme of reconstruction, which went on until his death in 1871. In 1888-9, other additions were made, and then in 1958 the building was reduced to its present state.

RCAHMS 1963, visited 1959; D MacGibbon and T Ross 1887-92

As stated by the RCAHMS, only the tower and modern mansion survive.

Visited by OS (R D) 8 September 1966.

Architect: Charles Wilson & D. Thomson 1857

Sydney Mitchel Wilson 1889 additions

Additions demolished in 1959

NMRS REFERENCE:

Plans:

Dick Peddie & MacKay, Edinburgh adds and Alts

Bin 31, Bag 3 29 St Vincent Place

Glasgow Oct. 1874

Dick Peddie & MacKay, Edinburgh F/S Details

Attic 2, Bin 32, Bag 2 13 Young Street 1890