Brodie Castle
Brodie Castle is a well-preserved Z plan castle located about 3+1⁄2 miles (5.5 kilometres) west of Forres, in Moray, Scotland. The castle is a Category A listed building,[1] and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.[2]
Brodie Castle | |
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Brodie Castle | |
Coordinates | 57°35′54″N 3°42′32″W |
Site information | |
Owner | National Trust for Scotland |
Open to the public | Yes |
Site history | |
Built | 1567 Rebuilt in 1824-1845. |
Demolished | Burned in 1645 |
The Brodie family
The original Z-plan castle was built in 1567 by Clan Brodie but was destroyed by fire in 1645 by Lewis Gordon of Clan Gordon, the 3rd Marquis of Huntly. In 1824, architect William Burn was commissioned to convert it into a mansion house in the Scots Baronial style, but these additions were never completed and were later remodelled by James Wylson (c. 1845).[2][3]
The Brodie family called the castle home until the early 21st century.[4] It is widely accepted that the Brodies have been associated with the land on which the castle is built since around 1160, when it is believed that King Malcolm IV gave the land to the family.[5]
Ninian Brodie of Brodie (The Brodie of Brodie), the castle's last resident member of the family, died in 2003. The former family wing is being prepared for holiday letting.
The castle today
Architecturally, the castle has a very well-preserved 16th-century central keep with two 5-storey towers on opposing corners. The interior of the castle is also well preserved, containing fine antique furniture, oriental artefacts and painted ceilings, largely dating from the 17th–19th centuries.
Today the castle and surrounding policies, including a national daffodil collection, are owned by the National Trust for Scotland and are open to the public to visit throughout the year. The castle may be hired for weddings and indoor or outdoor events. An ancient Pictish monument known as Rodney's Stone can be seen in the castle grounds.[2]
See also
References
- Historic Environment Scotland. "BRODIE CASTLE (Category A Listed Building) (LB2260)". Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- Historic Environment Scotland. "BRODIE CASTLE (GDL00072)". Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- "James Wylson". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Retrieved 7 March 2019.
- Seenan, Gerard (17 March 1999). "Heir today, gone tomorrow". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 August 2020.
- "Brodie Castle". National Trust for Scotland. Retrieved 2 August 2020.