Birse Castle facts for kids
Birse Castle is an old building found in the Forest of Birse, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It began as a simple square tower. In the early 1900s, it was rebuilt into an L-shape. Later, in 1930, another part was added, making it look like a Z from above! Since 1971, it has been a special "listed building." This means it is important and protected.
Contents
History of Birse Castle
The area around Birse Castle, called the Forest of Birse, was once a royal hunting ground. It later became owned by the Bishop of Aberdeen.
Early Owners
In 1585, a man named Sir William Gordon of Cluny rented the forest from the bishop. He built the first tower house. It was used as a hunting lodge or a summer getaway.
Later, in 1636, Sir William Douglas of Glenbervie bought the house. Then, in 1666, it went to Charles Gordon, 1st Earl of Aboyne.
Restoration and Changes
By 1887, the castle was mostly in ruins. Only two of its walls were still standing.
However, the castle was saved! Between 1905 and 1911, an architect named George Bennett Mitchell restored it. He also made it bigger by adding a new section for J. R. Heaven.
Even more was added in 1930. Dr. William Kelly built another new section for Annie Pearson, Viscountess Cowdray. This addition changed the castle's shape again.
What Birse Castle Looks Like
The first part of Birse Castle was a square tower. It was built from rough stones and had three floors plus an attic. It also had small turrets and a round tower that became square at the top.
How the Castle Grew
When George Bennett Mitchell worked on the castle, he added new parts to the north and west. This made the castle look like the letter "L" from above. He also added small turrets at the corners.
In 1930, Dr. William Kelly added another section. This new part connected to the north wing, making the castle look like the letter "Z" from above. Kelly made sure his additions matched Mitchell's work. His turrets were a bit bigger, allowing for windows on the third floor. He also added a one-story entrance on the north side.
Special Details
Above the main entrance on the ground floor, there is a special stone panel. It shows a thistle, a rose, and a crown. These are symbols of Scotland and England. The panel also has "19 AC 30" carved into it. This shows the year 1930 and the initials of the owner at that time.
