Preston Tower

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Preston Tower is a ruined L-plan keep south-east of Prestonpans in East Lothian, Scotland. The original structure, some of which may date from the 14th century, has four storeys. A further two storeys were added above the parapet in 1626.

Preston passed by marriage to the Hamilton family at the close of the 14th century. It was burnt by the Earl of Hertford in 1544 during the Rough Wooing, and by Oliver Cromwell in 1650. After being restored it burnt again, accidentally, in 1663 and was abandoned for the nearby Preston House. One of the Hamilton family was the noted covenanter Robert Hamilton, a commander in the battles of Drumclog and Bothwell Brig. After this, the family were forfeited in 1684, but recovered the property in the 19th century.

Preston Tower was purchased by the National Trust for Scotland in 1969. It is currently under the guardianship of the local council.

[edit] References

• Coventry, Martin (2005). Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead, 93–94. ISBN 1-899874-24-0. 
• Salter, Mike (1985). Discovering Scottish Castles. Shire Publications Ltd, 109. ISBN 0-85263-749-7.