Drumlanrig Castle - Wee Guides to Scotland castles and mansions

Wee Guides to Scotland
Drumlanrig Castle, Dumfriesshire

Goblinshead

130 Inveresk Rd
Musselburgh
EH21 7AY
SCOTLAND

Drumlanrig is an impressive 17th-century courtyard mansion, consisting of four ranges around a courtyard, with higher rectangular towers at the corners. The towers have pepperpot turrets. The remains of a 14th-century castle, including cellars, were built into the mansion. The original castle was built by the Douglases soon after 1357, but was sacked by the English in 1549. It was destroyed in 1575 because the family supported Mary, Queen of Scots, who had stayed here in 1563. However, it was restored or rebuilt as James VI stayed here in 1617, and Drumlanrig was occupied by a Cromwellian force in 1650. A huge new mansion, set around the courtyard, was built between 1675 and 1689 by the architect William Wallace for William Douglas, 3rd Earl of Queensberry, who was made Duke in 1684. It passed to the Scott Dukes of Buccleuch in 1810. There is a fine collection of pictures, including paintings by Rembrandt, Holbein and Leonardo, as well as many other works of art. Gardens. Visitor centre.

Directions:	Off A76, 3 miles NW of Thornhill, Dumfriesshire.
Ownership:	Pri/LA	01848 330248	Ord. Survey Map Ref:	NX 851992 78
Open:	Daily 2 May to 23 August 12.00-4.00pm.
Key:	P S R WC £	Click Here for explanation of Key and other abreviations

Fax:+44 (0) 131 653 6566 Tel: +44 (0) 131 665 2894
email:goblinshead@sol.co.uk