Castle Kennedy
Greetings, fellow castle enthusiasts! Let’s embark on a journey to the rugged shores of Dumfries and Galloway, where Castle Kennedy stands as a sentinel against time and tides.
A Brief Overview of Castle Kennedy
Location: Castle Kennedy is a small village, just 3 miles
(4.8 km) east of Stranraer in south-west Scotland. It graces the A75 road and
belongs to the civil parish of Inch.
The Lochinch Estate: Castle Kennedy is part of the Lochinch
Estate, which encompasses not only the ruins of the 17th-century Castle Kennedy
but also the magnificent Castle Kennedy Gardens—open to the public.
Origins: The castle was built in 1607 as a mansion house by
the Earl of Cassilis, replacing an older castle on the same site. Its history
weaves together tales of nobility, tragedy, and restoration.
Inhabitants Through the Ages
Earl of Cassilis (1607):
The Earl of Cassilis commissioned the construction of Castle
Kennedy. Imagine the excitement as the new mansion rose from the ancient
stones!
The castle became a focal point for the surrounding
landscape, its walls echoing with the footsteps of lords and ladies.
Sir John Dalrymple, Earl of Stair (1677):
Sir John Dalrymple acquired Castle Kennedy in 1677. His
services as Secretary of State earned him the title of Earl of Stair.
Unfortunately, the original house burned down in 1716,
leaving behind the haunting ruins we see today.
The 2nd Earl and the Formal Gardens (18th Century):
The 2nd Earl of Stair transformed the estate. From 1720 to
1730, he laid out formal gardens inspired by his time at Versailles.
Troops were even enlisted to shape the landscape, creating
features like “The Giant’s Grave” and “Mount Marlborough.”
Restoration and Lochinch Castle (19th Century):
Lochinch Castle, a Franco-Scottish gem, was built on the
estate in the 1860s.
The 9th and 10th Earls partially restored the 18th-century
gardens, breathing life back into their faded beauty.
Significance in Scottish and English History
Gardens and Climate: Castle Kennedy Gardens thrive due to
the mild climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. Rare rhododendrons and exotic
plants flourish here.
Film and Literature: The castle’s allure inspired
filmmakers, featuring in adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Kidnapped”
and other tales.
Legacy: Castle Kennedy remains a testament to Scotland’s
grand designed landscapes—a world of ancient monuments, listed buildings, and
scientific interest.
For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:
https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/
https://www.secret-scotland.com/place/castle-kennedy-gardens
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