Abergeldie Castle
Abergeldie Castle is a four-floor tower house located near Crathie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is protected as a category A listed building.[1]
History
The castle was built around 1550[1] by Sir Alexander Gordon of Midmar. During the first Jacobite rising in 1689, the castle was garrisoned by Spanish troops under the command of General Hugh Mackay. The castle has been owned by the Gordon family since 1482.[1]
From 1848 to 1970, it was leased to the British royal family,[1] being relatively close to Balmoral. Jamie Douglas Home's book 'Stately passions' says that whilst it was originally leased to the Royal family it was bought by them in 1878 for £100,000. Members of the royal family who stayed at Abergeldie included the daughters of Edward VII, Princesses Louise, Victoria and Maud of Wales. [2]
The castle
The rectangular-plan tower measures around 35 by 28 feet (10.7 by 8.5 m), with a round stair tower 15 feet (4.6 m) across at the south-west corner.[3] In the early 19th century an ogee-roofed belfry was built at the top of the stair tower, and a Venetian window inserted in the south façade.[1] W. D. Simpson noted similarities between Abergeldie and the Castle of Balfluig at Alford, suggesting that they may have shared a designer.[3]
Ghost
The castle is reportedly haunted by a ghost known as French Kate or Kitty Rankie. She is said to be a French woman who was employed in the castle at one time. After being suspected of witchcraft she was confined in the castle before being burned at the stake on a nearby hill.[4]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Abergeldie Castle: Listed Building Report". Historic Scotland. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
- ↑ "Toria and sisters". Grand ladies: the Belle Epoque.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Abergeldie Castle". CANMORE. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Retrieved 2012-01-23.
- ↑ "Scotland’s specters: Haunted castles, part 1 - Heritage". Scotsman.com. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
Coordinates: 57°02′36″N 3°10′35″W / 57.043323°N 3.176467°W