Castle Fraser

Castle Fraser is a castle in Scotland. It is south of Kemnay in the Aberdeenshire region. It is forest and farmland surrounded by over 1.2 km ² open. There is archaeological evidence of an older square tower below the current building.

The castle was used in some scenes of the film The Queen starring Helen Mirren as a backdrop. The property is open from Easter to October for visitors and can also be rented for weddings as well as for social events.

History

The lock has a z- shaped floor plan, on the rise five storeys. The construction was started by Michael Fraser 1575 and 1636, completed by his son Andrew, the 1st Lord Fraser. This was based on an older tower of about 1400th A plaque on the northern side of the castle bears the inscription " I Bel ", suggesting that the master mason John Bell of Midmar has built the castle, together with the master masons Thomas Leiper and James Leiper.

Castle Fraser was thus at the same time as other, nearby famous castles like Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Muchalls Castle.

The castle has been modernized in the late 1700s and at the same time equipped with a new entrance on the south side and sliding windows. The works were under the supervision of Elyza Fraser, the wife of the former Lords. She was also responsible for the transformation of the surrounding palace gardens.

The interiors of the building were once again completely renovated 1820-1850 by Charles Fraser and the architect John Smith and William Burn.

Castle Fraser was the home of the " Frasers of Muchalls ", later " Frasers of Castle Fraser ." 1897 Frederick died with the last male Fraser from the direct line childless. Because a suitable heir was missing and due to financial difficulties, his widow sold the estate in 1921 to Theodora Weetman Pearson, 1st Vicount Cowdray. The Pearson family had the building to restore as a hunting lodge, and gave it in 1976 to the National Trust for Scotland.

Ghost Legend

Legend has it that a young princess was brutally murdered while staying at the castle, while in the open space (English: Green Room ) slept. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood. The castle residents tried unsuccessfully to remove the blood stains, and so they were forced to dress up the steps with wood that adorns the stairs today. It is said that the spirit of the princess still walk at night in the halls of the castle. But it is certainly more likely that the stone staircase was covered, so that they climb more easily, as was customary at servants stairs in the 19th century.