Castle Fraser
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Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland and one of the grandest 'Castles of Mar'. It is located near Kemnay in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland. The castle stands in over 300 acres (1.2 km²) of open woodland and farmland, including a walled garden and two forest trails. There is archaeological evidence of an older square tower beneath the current construction.
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[edit] Construction
Originally known as Muchall-in-Mar, construction of the elaborate, five-storey Z plan castle was begun in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser, on the basis of an earlier tower from around 1400, and was completed in 1636. A panel on the northern side of the castle is signed "I Bel", believed to be the mark of the master mason John Bell of Midmar, the castle is a joint creation with another master mason of this period, Thomas Leiper and with James Leiper.[1]
Castle Fraser is contemporary with other famous nearby castles: Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Muchalls Castle. Muchalls Castle was built over a 13th century stronghold of Clan Fraser, and its 17th century reconstruction was also conducted by master mason Leiper.
[edit] Ownership
Castle Fraser was built as the home of the Frasers of Muchalls, later Frasers of Castle Fraser, who lived there until 1921. The castle was sold by Theodora Mackenzie Fraser as there were no valid heirs to inherit. The buyer was Weetman Pearson, First Vicount Cowdray. The Pearson family restored the castle as a shooting lodge and gifted it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1976.[2]
[edit] Ghosts
Legend has it that a young princess was once staying at the castle when she was brutally murdered while asleep in the 'Green Room'. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they tried, the occupants of the castle could not scrub out the stains, and so were forced to cover the steps in wood panelling, which remains today. It is said she still stalks the halls of the castle during the night. It is more likely, however, that the stone stairs were covered to make them easier to climb as they were used as the servants stair in the 19th century.
Numerous sightings of ghosts were reported by former Property Manager, Eric Wilkinson, and piano music was said to be frequently heard in the empty castle by its former owner, Lavinia Smiley.
Castle Fraser has recently been used as a backdrop for some of the scenes shot in the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning film "The Queen", starring Helen Mirren. Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to visitors from Easter to October. It can also be hired for weddings and corporate events.
[edit] Gallery
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[edit] References
- ^ Castle Fraser Taken from "Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Ian Shepherd, 2006. Published by the Rutland Press
- ^ Scottish Castles Photo Library - Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire Accessed 21th June 2008
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- ^ Castle Fraser Taken from "Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Ian Shepherd, 2006. Published by the Rutland Press
- ^ Scottish Castles Photo Library - Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire Accessed 21th June 2008
- Tranter, Nigel, The Fortified House in Scotland
- Smiley, Lavinia, "The Frasers of Castle Fraser"
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