Earlshall Castle
Courtyard castle | |
Town or city | Leuchars, Fife |
---|---|
Country | Scotland |
Coordinates | 56°22′44″N 2°52′06″W / 56.3788698°N 2.8683990°W |
Owner | Clan Baxter |
Earlshall Castle is a restored 16th century
It has been described as “a perfect example of a 16/17th century mansion”.[3]
History
The castle was built by Sir William Bruce, a survivor of the Battle of Flodden, in 1546.[1] One member of the family died at the battle of Worcester in 1651. Another, Sir Andrew, gained himself the name “Bloody Bruce” by hacking off the hands and head of Covenanter Richard Cameron after defeating him at the battle of Airds Moss during the Killing Time.[1]
The Bruce line was extinct by 1708. Henderson of Fordell inherited the castle and kept it until 1824. Due to lack of maintenance, the structure became derelict. In 1890, the property was purchased by Robert Mackenzie, a
Structure
There is a main block of three storeys and a garret. There is a large tower at one corner, with a small stair-turret in the angle with the main block. On the other corner a round stair tower is
The main block, with a slightly higher wing,[2] occupies two sides of the courtyard; there is a separate tower with three storey, the lower two vaulted, and some buildings dated to the 17th century. The courtyard is entered through an archway, dated 1546,[1] bearing the arms of Sir William Bruce.[2] There is a formal garden, replanted since the restoration of 1892.[1] It has yew hedges and topiary.[2] The castle is a category A listed building.[5]
As of August 2020 the castle was for sale.[6] Reports indicate that there are 10 bedrooms and 8 reception rooms" and features such as "royal coats of arms decorating a vaulted ceiling and an arched gatehouse ... wooden panelling and period fireplaces".[7]
References
- ^ ISBN 1-899874-26-7
- ^ ISBN 0-09-473430-5p. 219-221
- ^ "Earlshall: Country House (19th century)". Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Retrieved 3 November 2016.
- ^ "Earlshall Castle". Savills. Retrieved 4 September 2022.
- ^ "Earlshall Castle". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ "Spectacular Scottish Castles for sale". Country Life. 26 August 2020.
- ^ "Best castles for sale in UK Earlshall Castle near St Andrews, Scotland". Your Home Style. Retrieved 4 September 2022.