Midmar Castle
Encyclopedia
Midmar Castle is a 16th-century castle in Aberdeenshire
, Scotland, located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) west of Westhill and 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) west of Echt
. The castle was built for George Gordon of Midmar and Abergeldie
between 1565 and 1575, and was constructed by the stonemason and architect George Bell. The castle is protected as a category A listed building,
in 1562. This expedition culminated in the Battle of Corrichie at which George Gordon of Midmar fought. He was subsequently deprived of his lands, though they were restored in 1565, after which he employed George Bell to build a new castle. In 1594 the castle was attacked after the Battle of Glenlivet
.
Alexander Grant purchased Midmar in 1728 and renamed it Grantsfield. From 1730 the castle was remodelled inside and outside, and most of the present interiors date from this time. Repairs were carried out in 1840. From 1842 until 1977 the castle was uninhabited, though maintained, preserving the 18th-century rooms. Restoration began in 1977 and the castle has been a private residence since. It was sold in July 2011 to Tom Cross, former chief executive of Dana Petroleum
, for £2.8 million.
The 16th- or 17th-century walled garden
, with bee bole
s in the walls, is also a category A listed building, along with the 18th-century sundial.
Aberdeenshire
Aberdeenshire is one of the 32 unitary council areas in Scotland and a lieutenancy area.The present day Aberdeenshire council area does not include the City of Aberdeen, now a separate council area, from which its name derives. Together, the modern council area and the city formed historic...
, Scotland, located 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) west of Westhill and 3.5 kilometres (2.2 mi) west of Echt
Echt, Aberdeenshire
Echt is an Aberdeenshire crossroads village in northeast Scotland with a population of approximately 300 people. Echt has a number of prehistoric remains, including the so called Barmekin of Echt which is on a hill to the northwest...
. The castle was built for George Gordon of Midmar and Abergeldie
Abergeldie Castle
Abergeldie Castle is a four-storey tower house located near Crathie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is protected as a category A listed building.-History:...
between 1565 and 1575, and was constructed by the stonemason and architect George Bell. The castle is protected as a category A listed building,
History
The present structure was erected on the site of an earlier tower, destroyed by forces loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, during her punitive expedition against the Earl of HuntlyGeorge Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly
George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly was a Scottish nobleman.-Biography:He was the son of John Gordon, Lord Gordon, and Margaret Stewart, daughter of James IV. George Gordon inherited his earldom and estates in 1524 at age 10...
in 1562. This expedition culminated in the Battle of Corrichie at which George Gordon of Midmar fought. He was subsequently deprived of his lands, though they were restored in 1565, after which he employed George Bell to build a new castle. In 1594 the castle was attacked after the Battle of Glenlivet
Battle of Glenlivet
The Battle of Glenlivet was fought on 3 October 1594 near Allanreid and Morinsh in Scotland.-Background:This battle is often seen as a religious conflict, and was fought by the Catholic forces of the George Gordon, 1st Marquess of Huntly and Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, who were victorious over...
.
Alexander Grant purchased Midmar in 1728 and renamed it Grantsfield. From 1730 the castle was remodelled inside and outside, and most of the present interiors date from this time. Repairs were carried out in 1840. From 1842 until 1977 the castle was uninhabited, though maintained, preserving the 18th-century rooms. Restoration began in 1977 and the castle has been a private residence since. It was sold in July 2011 to Tom Cross, former chief executive of Dana Petroleum
Dana Petroleum
Dana Petroleum is a Korean-owned, British-based oil and gas exploration and production company. Its activities are focused on the North Sea and Africa. It is headquartered in Aberdeen and is a former constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.-History:...
, for £2.8 million.
The 16th- or 17th-century walled garden
Walled garden
A walled garden is specifically a garden enclosed by high walls for horticultural rather than security purposes, though traditionally all gardens have been hedged about or walled for protection from animal or human intruders...
, with bee bole
Bee bole
A bee bole is a cavity or alcove in a wall or a separate free-standing structure set against a wall . A skep is placed inside the bee bole...
s in the walls, is also a category A listed building, along with the 18th-century sundial.