Herdmanston

The south and east wings of the mansion of Herdmanston have been so modernised as to render the date of their building unascertainable. Their disposition is L-shaped (fig. 156 [plan]). The main block, which contains vaulted chambers and, in the north gable, a circular staircase, measures 67 feet by 26 ¾ feet, the wing 30 ½ feet by 36 feet. The plan and area of the structure suggest its erection in the late 16th century, but this date is to some extent discounted by the great thickness of walling, which averages 7 feet and so suggests a much earlier period. The strength of the place is spoken of below. To the west of the house is a wide semicircularly arched gateway with voussoirs and jamb-stones alternately plain and rusticated. Over the keystone is a panel bearing a shield charged with the engrailed cross of the Sinclairs; below the shield are the initials I S. This gateway dates from the late 17th or the early 18th century. Beside the stables to the north-east of the house IS another gateway of the same period, and on the front of the stables is built a semicircular pediment which bears an eagle for crest and mantling over two shields, each charged with an engrailed cross (Sinclair). Flanking the shields are the initials S I S S M S and the date 1647. On a scroll is the motto INTAND TOY.

HISTORICAL NOTE. On the St. Clairs of Herdmanstoun see [RCAHMS 1924] Introd. p. xx. In Feb.1548 Lord Grey of Wilton reported to Somerset that he had got into his hands with other castles in the neighbourhood that of ‘Harmyston...which the Governor has afore time besieged with great ordnance, and not won and is so strong that my servant Captain Bagshott, will take in hand to hold it against all Scotland’ (1). A John Sinclair was heir apparent of Herdmaurton in 1638 (2).

RCAHMS 1924, visited 28 August 1913.

(1) Scottish Papers i., p. 81, No. 168; (2) Reg. Mag Sig. s.a., No. 1638.

Photographic survey by the Scottish National Buildings Record in March 1961.