Eglinton Castle

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Eglinton Castle was a large mansion in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland.

Contents

[edit] History

The Tournament bridge and castle in 1876
The Tournament bridge and castle in 1876[1]
Eglintoune castle from the south; prior to the rebuild of 1805.
Eglintoune castle from the south; prior to the rebuild of 1805.
Aitken's 1823 map showing the position of the castle and other details.
Aitken's 1823 map showing the position of the castle and other details.
John Ainslie's 1790 map showing pleasure garden on the opposite side of the Lugton Water to the castle.
John Ainslie's 1790 map showing pleasure garden on the opposite side of the Lugton Water to the castle.

The seat of the Earls of Eglinton, it is located just south of the town of Kilwinning. Built in 1802 in castellated style dominated by a large round keep, it was second only to Culzean Castle in appearance and grandeur. Amongst many items of interest, the castle contained a chair built from the oak timbers of Alloway kirk and the back of the chair was inlaid with a brass plaque which bore the whole of Burn's poem 'Tam o' Shanter'.[2]

It is best remembered for the lavish, if ill-fated Eglinton Tournament, a medieval-style tournament organised in 1839 by the 13th Earl. The expense and extent of the preparations became news across Scotland, and the railway line was even opened in advance of its official opening to ferry guests to Eglinton. Although high summer, in typical Scottish style torrential rain washed the proceedings out, despite the participants, in full period dress, gamely attempting to participate in events such as jousting. Amongst the participants was the future Napoleon III of France.

Eglintoune castle from the west; prior to the rebuild of 1805
Eglintoune castle from the west; prior to the rebuild of 1805

The immense cost of upkeep and the poor condition of the castle eventually took its toll on the family, so the castle was abandoned in the early years of the twentieth century. De-roofed in 1925 and progressively ruinous, the building finally came to an undignified end during the Second World War when it was destroyed during army training held there.

In the 1970s plans were made to open the extensive grounds (988 acres) around the ruins to the public, and to that end what remained of the structure was made safe by demolishing all but a wing facade and a single tower. Eglinton Country Park is now fully established and is one of the most popular visitor (free) attractions in Ayrshire.

In 1963 Ian Anstruther wrote an entertaining account of the 1839 tournament entitled The Knight and the Umbrella.

[edit] Eglinton castle 2007 gallery

[edit] The castle and estate prior to the establishment of the country park

[edit] The intact castle - exterior

[edit] The castle interior

[edit] Castle ruins

[edit] Estate features

[edit] Derelict estate features



The Montgomerie family crest.
The Montgomerie family crest.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Dobie, James (1876). Pont's Cuninghame Pub. John Tweed.
  2. ^ Aikman, J & Gordon, W. (1839) An Account of the Tournament at Eglinton. Pub. Hugh Paton, Carver & Gilder. Edinburgh. M.DCCC.XXXIX.
  3. ^ Harvey, William (1910), Picturesque Ayrshire. Pub. Valentine & sons, Dundee, etc. Facing P. 110.
  4. ^ Leighton, John M. (1850).Strath Clutha or the Beauties of the Clyde. Pub. Joseph Swan Engraver. Glasgow. Facing p. 229.