Buchanan Auld House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Buchanan Auld House |
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Buchanan Auld House in 2017
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Listed Building – Category C(S)
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| Designated | 5 September 1973 |
| Reference no. | LB4083 |
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Buchanan Auld House (also known as Buchanan Old House) is a historic ruined building in Stirlingshire, Scotland. It is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) west of the village of Drymen. This house was once the main home, or "seat," of the Clan Buchanan. The Chiefs of Clan Buchanan owned the land around it from at least 1231 until 1682.
After the last Chief, John Buchanan, passed away in the late 1600s, the property went to the Grahams. They rebuilt much of the house in the 1700s. Sadly, the house burned down in 1852. As a replacement, James Graham, 4th Duke of Montrose ordered a new country house called Buchanan Castle. It was built between 1852 and 1858, about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the southeast. Today, the ruins of Buchanan Auld House are part of a courtyard. This courtyard is connected to the clubhouse of the Buchanan Castle Golf Club.
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History of Buchanan Auld House
The story of Buchanan Auld House began a long time ago. Around the year 1225, a man named Anselan was given an island called Clairinsh. He was a trusted clergyman for Malduin, who was the Earl of Lennox. Later, Anselan was known as Absalom de Buchanan. This suggests he also received other lands in the area of Buchanan.
In 1231, during the time of King Alexander II of Scotland, Gilbert de Buchanan received an important document. This document confirmed that he owned Clairinsh and other lands in Buchanan. Gilbert was a "seneschal," which means he managed the household for the Earl of Lennox. The name of the Clan Buchanan comes from these lands.
Buchanan Auld House became the main home for the Chiefs of Clan Buchanan. They were also known as the Lairds of Buchanan. This continued for about 450 years. But in 1682, the 22nd Chief, John Buchanan, passed away. He did not have any sons to inherit his title. He also had many money problems. Because of this, the Buchanan estate was slowly sold off to pay his debts. With no male heirs, the direct line of Chiefs ended.
New Owners: The Grahams
In 1682, James Graham, 3rd Marquess of Montrose, bought the estate. Buchanan Auld House then became the main home for Clan Graham. It replaced their old home, Mugdock Castle. The Grahams thought Buchanan Auld House was more fitting for a Marquess.
The Montrose family began to rebuild the house around 1724. Famous architects like William Adam and William Henry Playfair helped design changes to the house and its gardens. In the 1800s, the 4th Duke and his wife raised and trained racehorses on the estate. Their daughter, Violet, Lady Greville, who became a writer, said she had a wonderful childhood at Buchanan Castle.
The Fire and a New Castle
In 1852, Buchanan Auld House was destroyed by a fire. To replace it, William Burn was hired to design a new building. Burn created a grand manor house in the Scottish baronial style. This style often includes towers, small turrets, and stepped gables. This new building became Buchanan Castle. It was built between 1852 and 1858. It stands about 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the southeast of the old house.
Today, only parts of Buchanan Auld House remain. These ruins were once the servants' quarters. They are now part of a courtyard connected to the clubhouse of the Buchanan Castle Golf Club. The golf club now uses the surrounding lands.
Images for kids
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Courtyard formed by the ruins of Buchanan Auld House.
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Exterior of the ruins of Buchanan Auld House.
