Balquhain Castle Explained

Balquhain Castle
Location:Aberdeenshire
Map Type:Scotland Aberdeenshire
Type:Tower house
Coordinates:57.3022°N -2.4471°W
Built:15th century
Builder:Clan Leslie
Demolished:1746
Controlledby:Clan Leslie

Balquhain Castle is a ruined tower house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was the stronghold of the Leslies of Balquhain. The castle is located west of Inverurie, and is protected as a scheduled monument.

History

The castle was built in the 14th century and held by Leslie’s family from 1340.[1] On 5 July 1441 John Leslie of Balquhain made an indenture with four masons, David Hardgat, David Dun, Robert Masoun and Gilbert Masoun that they would complete his building work.[2]

The castle was sacked during a feud with the Forbes family in 1526.[1] The castle was rebuilt in 1530. Mary Queen of Scots in 1562 stayed at the castle prior to the Battle of Corrichie. It was burned by the forces of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland in 1746 and was abandoned.

The castle

The tower measures 13.75by, and is surrounded by the remains of a barmkin.

References

External links

Notes and References

  1. Coventry, p.329.
  2. Stuart, John, Extracts from the council registers of Aberdeen, Spalding Club (1844), p.397, note of the indenture recorded 23 June 1442.