Cluny Crichton Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cluny Crichton Castle |
|
|---|---|
| Near Banchory, Aberdeenshire, Scotland | |
 |
|
 Cluny Crichton Castle
|
|
| Coordinates | 57°05′17″N 2°31′08″W / 57.088°N 2.519°W |
| Type | Tower House |
| Site information | |
| Condition | Ruined |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1666 |
| Built by | George Crichton |
| Materials | Granite |
Cluny Crichton Castle is an old, ruined castle in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is also known as Clounie Crighton Castle. This castle is a type called a "tower house." It has three stories and sits on the southern slopes of the Hill of Fare. You can find it about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) north of Banchory.
History of Cluny Crichton Castle
The story of Cluny Crichton Castle begins with the Crichton family. In 1572, a man named Robert Crichton of Cluny got married. He married Agnes Mowbray, whose family owned Barnbougle Castle. Robert was happy with his choice. He said Agnes was good at many crafts like weaving and sewing. He hoped she would help care for his young daughters from a previous marriage. Sadly, Agnes passed away just two years later. She had one daughter named Agnes Crichton.
The castle you see today was built much later. It was made from strong granite stones. Construction finished in 1666. A man named George Crichton built the castle. He built it shortly after he married the only daughter of Sir Robert Douglas. Sir Robert Douglas owned Tilquhillie Castle. The castle was designed in a special way called a modified L-plan. We do not know much more about the castle's early history.
Cluny Crichton Castle Today
Over time, Cluny Crichton Castle became a ruin. Some of its stones were even taken away. These stones were used to build nearby farmhouses. Today, the castle stands on farmland. This land is part of Cluny Crichton Farm.
The castle is very important to Scotland's history. Historic Environment Scotland has listed it as a "Category B listed building." This means it is a building of special interest. It is also on the Buildings at Risk Register for Scotland. This register shows that the castle is in danger. It needs care to prevent further damage.
