Drumlanrig Castle
Established | 14th century |
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Location | Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom |
Coordinates | 55°16′26″N 3°48′36″W / 55.274°N 3.810°W |
Owner | Montagu-Douglas-Scott Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry |
Website | drumlanrigcastle.co.uk |
Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The category A listed castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry.[1] As of September 2023, the castle itself is open to the public during very limited times of the year,[2] with the surroundings, such as the stableyard and adventure playground being open nearly all year round.[3][4] Walking, hiking, and cycling routes are open all year long,[5] unless officially closed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as in 2021 due damage inflicted by Storm Arwen.[6]
Construction[edit]
The 'Pink Palace' of Drumlanrig,[7] constructed between 1679 and 1689 from distinctive pink sandstone,[8] is an example of late 17th-century Renaissance architecture. The first Duke of Queensberry, William Douglas, had the castle built on the site of an ancient Douglas stronghold overlooking the Nith Valley.[9] The castle has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers.[10]
In 1984, aerial photography revealed the outline of a substantial Roman fort some 350 yards (320 m) to the southeast of Drumlanrig Castle. The fort was partially excavated in 2004 by the Time Team television programme.[11]
Art collection[edit]
The castle is home to part of the Buccleuch art collection which includes Rembrandt's An Old Woman Reading,[10] and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Yarnwinder, which was stolen in 2003 and returned in 2007 after being found in Glasgow,[12] and many other paintings, tapestries and objects of art. The Madonna of the Yarnwinder is currently on loan at the Scottish National Gallery.
Surrounding Attractions[edit]
The castle features attractions for both tourists and local residents, situated in the former stable yard, and in an off-section of the rear gardens. These include the Stableyard Studios with a range of local businesses, a tearoom and an adventure playground.[3][4][13]
Etymology[edit]
The earliest record for Drumlanrig is from 1384, spelled Drumlangryg. There are a number of possible etymologies for the name. It may represent Cumbric drum 'ridge' + -lanerc 'small area of cleared woodland'. However, the first element may also be Gaelic druim 'ridge', either added to a Cumbric name or to Scots *lang-rigg 'long ridge'.[14]
Gallery[edit]
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Drumlanrig Castle side on view looking at the right-hand side
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Drumlanrig Castle illustration in 1880
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Original plan. The building extends 145 ft (44m)
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Planned front entrance illustration
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Drumlanrig Castle side on view looking at the left-hand side
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Main/Front car park, looking down from Stableyard towards front gate to Castle itself, as well as road towards Adventure Playground
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View inside the Stableyard, towards the rear, facing an exit as well as the general direction of the Castle
See also[edit]
- Tibbers Castle – a 12th-century motte-and-bailey in the Drumlanrig Castle estate
- Treasure Houses of Britain – 1985 TV series that covers the house in some detail
References[edit]
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Drumlanrig Castle, Outbuildings and Pavilion Blocks Piers, Balustrades and Quadrant Walls and Garden Urns (Category A Listed Building) (LB3886)". Retrieved 20 March 2019.
- ^ "Castle Tours | Dumfries & Galloway". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ a b "The Adventure Playground". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ a b "Discover the Stableyard Craft Workshops". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Walking and Hiking Routes". Drumlanrig Castle. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ William Tinning; Alison Chiesa (27 August 2003). "Low security of viewing scheme that avoids inheritance duty didn't deter raiders of the Pink Palace". The Herald. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
- ^ Rose, Kenneth (24 December 2001). "Princess Alice: no Victorian, but eminent none the less". London: Telegraph. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
- ^ "The Castle". Retrieved 27 December 2011.
- ^ a b "The Duke of Buccleuch". London: Telegraph. 5 September 2007. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
- ^ "Drumlanrig Castle". wessexarch.co.uk. Wessex Archaeology. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ "Trial date for da Vinci accused". BBC News. 19 October 2009. Retrieved 27 December 2011.
- ^ "Drumlanrig Castle - Tearoom and Larchwood Cabin, Thornhill – Cafes & Tearooms". www.visitscotland.com. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
- ^ James, Alan G. (2014). The Brittonic Language in the Old North: A Guide to the Place-name Evidence. Vol. 2: Guide to the Elements. p. 152. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 27 March 2017.
External links[edit]
- Castles in Dumfries and Galloway
- Country houses in Dumfries and Galloway
- Category A listed buildings in Dumfries and Galloway
- Listed castles in Scotland
- House of Douglas and Angus
- Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes
- Clan Scott
- Gardens in Dumfries and Galloway
- Historic house museums in Dumfries and Galloway
- Houses completed in 1691
- Renaissance architecture in Scotland
- 1691 establishments in Scotland