Midhope Castle
| Midhope Castle | |
|---|---|
|
Abercorn, West Lothian, Scotland UK grid reference NT072786 | |
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Front of Midhope Castle | |
  Midhope Castle | |
| Coordinates | 55°35′35″N 3°17′29″W / 55.593076°N 3.291334°W |
| Type | Tower house |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Hopetoun Estate |
| Controlled by | Hopetoun Estate |
| Open to the public | With permission. Exterior only |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 16th century |
| Materials | Stone |
Midhope Castle is a 16th-century tower house in Scotland. It is situated in the hamlet of Abercorn on the Hopetoun estate, About 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the west of South Queensferry, on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
History
The derelict chateau that can be seen today represents the much-altered 5-storey, oblong tower house.
In 1678, Midhope was given a facelift when an entrance tower was removed and the extension to the east was heightened and extended. A new doorway was added along with a small courtyard, measuring 114 by 61 feet (35 by 19 m), to the south.
During the latter 16th century, the castle belonged to Alexander Drummond of Midhope, brother to Robert Drummond of Carnock, Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland. A stone inscribed "AD 1582 MB" commemorates Alexander and his wife Marjory Bruce.[1]
A painted ceiling from the tower survives in the care of Historic Scotland at Edinburgh. It includes cinquefoil motifs and probably commemorates the marriage of Sir Robert Drummond, who became laird in 1619, to a Hamilton heiress.[2] The family motto was "ad astra per ardua" and fragments from another painted ceiling had gold stars from the family crest.
A large, two-chambered, oblong, late 17th century dovecot sits about 140 metres (150 yd) to the southeast.
In popular culture
Midhope Castle is featured as a location in the Outlander TV series on Starz as the main character, Jamie Fraser's family home. For details on how to visit go to the owners website at Hopetoun
Photographs
The castle from the east.
Close View.
Approach to the Castle with Dovecot to the left.
Notes
References
- Mike Salter, (1985). Discovering Scottish Castles. Shire Publications Ltd. ISBN 0-85263-749-7.
- Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS), NMRS Number: NT07NE 5.00
- Photos of Midhope Castle
- Hopetoun Estate (Midhope Castle)
Coordinates: 55°59′30.76″N 3°29′13.34″W / 55.9918778°N 3.4870389°W