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Drumlanrig Castle
View of the front of Drumlanrig Castle, looking slightly up, standing near the fencing separating the castle itself from the public
Front of Drumlanrig Castle
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Established 14th century
Location Thornhill, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, United Kingdom
Owner Montagu-Douglas-Scott Dukes of Buccleuch and Queensberry

Drumlanrig Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The category A listed castle is the Dumfriesshire home of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. As of September 2023, the castle itself is open to the public during very limited times of the year, with the surroundings, such as the stableyard and adventure playground being open nearly all year round. Walking, hiking, and cycling routes are open all year long, unless officially closed due to unforeseen circumstances, such as in 2021 due damage inflicted by Storm Arwen.

Construction

The 'Pink Palace' of Drumlanrig, constructed between 1679 and 1689 from distinctive pink sandstone, is an example of late 17th-century Renaissance architecture. The first Duke of Queensberry, William Douglas, had the castle built on the site of an ancient Douglas stronghold overlooking the Nith Valley. The castle has 120 rooms, 17 turrets and four towers.

In 1984, aerial photography revealed the outline of a substantial Roman fort some 350 yards (320 m) to the southeast of Drumlanrig Castle. The fort was partially excavated in 2004 by the Time Team television programme.

Art collection

The castle is home to part of the Buccleuch art collection which includes Rembrandt's An Old Woman Reading, and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna of the Yarnwinder, which was stolen in 2003 and returned in 2007 after being found in Glasgow, and many other paintings, tapestries and objects of art. The Madonna of the Yarnwinder is currently on loan at the Scottish National Gallery.

Surrounding Attractions

The castle features attractions for both tourists and local residents, situated in the former stable yard, and in an off-section of the rear gardens. These include the Stableyard Studios with a range of local businesses, a tearoom and an adventure playground.

Etymology

The earliest record for Drumlanrig is from 1384, spelled Drumlangryg. There are a number of possible etymologies for the name. It may represent Cumbric drum 'ridge' + -lanerc 'small area of cleared woodland'. However, the first element may also be Gaelic druim 'ridge', either added to a Cumbric name or to Scots *lang-rigg 'long ridge'.

Gallery

  • DrumlaningCastle

    Drumlanrig Castle side on view looking at the right-hand side

  • Castelodedrumlanrig

    Drumlanrig Castle illustration in 1880

  • Drumlanrig plan

    Original plan. The building extends 145 ft (44m)

  • Drumlanrig elevation

    Planned front entrance illustration

  • Drumlanrig Castle Garden

    Drumlanrig Castle side on view looking at the left-hand side

  • Car Park at Drumlanrig Castle - geograph.org.uk - 5090940

    Main/Front car park, looking down from Stableyard towards front gate to Castle itself, as well as road towards Adventure Playground

  • The Stableyard Studios, Drumlanrig Castle - geograph.org.uk - 5091771

    View inside the Stableyard, towards the rear, facing an exit as well as the general direction of the Castle

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Castillo de Drumlanrig para niños

  • Tibbers Castle – a 12th-century motte-and-bailey in the Drumlanrig Castle estate
  • Treasure Houses of Britain – 1985 TV series that covers the house in some detail
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