Castle Fraser facts for kids
Castle Fraser is a magnificent castle located near Kemnay in the Aberdeenshire area of Scotland. It's known as one of the most impressive 'Z-plan' castles in the country. A Z-plan castle has a main rectangular building with towers at opposite corners, making it look a bit like the letter 'Z' from above. The castle sits on more than 300 acres (about 1.2 square kilometers) of beautiful land, including forests, farms, and a lovely walled garden from the 1800s. Experts believe there was an even older tower on this spot, possibly from the 1400s or 1500s, before the current castle was built. Castle Fraser is a very important historical building, protected as a Category A listed building. Its grounds are also recognized as special gardens and landscapes in Scotland.
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Building a Scottish Castle
The castle was originally called Muchall-in-Mar. Building this grand, five-story Z-plan castle began in 1575. It was started by Michael Fraser, who was the 6th Laird (or lord) of Fraser. The castle was built on top of an older tower and took many years to complete, finally finished in 1636.
A special mark, "I Bel," can be seen on the north side of the castle. This is thought to be the mark of John Bell of Midmar, a master builder. He worked on the castle over several decades with another skilled builder, Thomas Leiper.
Castle Fraser was built around the same time as other famous castles nearby, like Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle, and Midmar Castle. Many people believe that the Bell family of master builders also designed these other castles.
Changes Over Time
In the late 1700s, the castle was updated to a more classical style. A new entrance was added on the south side, and modern sash windows were put in. This work was overseen by Elyza Fraser, who was the lady of the castle at the time. She also worked with Mary Bristow. Elyza was also responsible for redesigning the castle grounds. She removed the old formal gardens and orchards, creating the beautiful landscapes you see today. She also had the impressive octagonal stable block built.
The inside of the castle was completely changed again between 1820 and 1850. Charles Fraser, another owner, hired architects John Smith and William Burn for this work. The Library is a great example of John Smith's style from that time, with some Tudor details. Many of William Burn's more fancy Gothic designs for the main rooms were not built. However, a Gothic-style pipe organ was installed, though it has since been moved to Kemnay Church.
During this period, outside the castle, two gatehouses were built. These are still standing today. A large domed staircase and hallways with open galleries were also added in the courtyard, but these have since been removed.
Around 1950, new owners began to restore parts of the castle. An architect and historian named Dr. William Kelly helped remove many of the 19th-century additions. This revealed the older parts of the castle's original design.
Today, Castle Fraser still feels like a family home. It holds many original items, including portraits of the Fraser family, old furniture, and collections. The rooms show different periods of the castle's history, from the old stone-vaulted Great Hall to the elegant Dining Room from the 1800s.
Who Owned Castle Fraser?
Castle Fraser was built as the home for the Fraser family, specifically the Frasers of Muchalls, who later became known as the Frasers of Castle Fraser. The castle was passed down through generations of the Fraser family. It went from the Lords Fraser to the Frasers of Inverallochy, and then to the Mackenzie family, who took the name Mackenzie Fraser.
In 1897, the last male Fraser from the direct family line, Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, passed away without children. In 1921, his wife, Theodora, sold the castle. She had no suitable heir and faced financial difficulties.
The buyer was Weetman Pearson, 1st Viscount Cowdray. He then gave the castle to his son, Bernard Clive Pearson, who worked to restore it. Later, the castle went to Lavinia Pearson and her husband, Major Charles Michael Smiley. In 1976, the Pearson family generously gave the castle to the National Trust for Scotland.
Today, the National Trust for Scotland opens the castle, its grounds, and the walled garden to visitors all year round. In 2019, over 56,000 people visited this amazing historical site.
Castle Fraser in Movies
Castle Fraser has even appeared on the big screen! Some scenes in the 2006 film The Queen were filmed at Castle Fraser. This movie starred the famous actress Dame Helen Mirren.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Fraser para niños
