Niddry Castle

Niddry Castle is a tower house near the Scottish village in the unitary authority Winchburgh West Lothian. In 1971 the building was added to the Scottish lists of monuments in the highest category A. A former classification as a Scheduled Monument was abolished in 1996.

History

Niddry Castle was for Lord Seton, probably John Seton, 2nd Lord Seton built in the 15th century. At this time the Tower House was one of the most important fortresses in the region and offered Mary Queen of Scots after her escape from Loch Leven Castle in 1568 shelter. By the early 17th century Niddry Castle was increased by two storeys, making it one of the highest forts in Scotland. In this context, also the side wing was added. It was about 1680 in the possession of the Hopes of Hopetoun House Family and stood empty for long. William Cadell was then rückbauen the added bullets to restore the original level, and lived in the Tower House. In the late 20th century the dilapidated in a ruinous state Niddry Castle was restored.

Description

The building is a few hundred meters south east of the railway line between Winchburgh Glasgow -Edinburgh and the M9. The four-story Niddry Castle has made ​​an L-shaped floor plan. Rough hewn blocks to quarry stone was installed to a layered masonry. It concludes with a projecting battlement. Ground floor there is a vault, from which a spiral staircase leads to the upper floors. The hall is located on the first floor. Noteworthy is the large kitchen, which still reflects the dimensions after enlargement.