Elphinstone Tower (East Lothian) facts for kids

Elphinstone Tower is an old, ruined building that was once a strong tower, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. It's located in Scotland, about 4 miles southeast of Tranent, East Lothian, and half a mile west of a village also called Elphinstone.

The Tower's Story

The Elphinstone family owned the land where the tower stands since the 1200s. Building the tower started in the 13th century but wasn't finished until the 15th century. After Sir Alexander Elphinstone passed away in 1435, the property seems to have gone to the Johnstone family through marriage.

This tower is known as a place where an important religious leader, George Wishart, was held. He was brought here from Ormiston before being taken to St Andrews for a very serious event.

Later, a large house was built next to the tower in 1600. However, this house was taken down in 1865. A big part of the tower itself was also taken down in 1955. This happened because the ground underneath was sinking due to coal mining. More parts of the tower have been lost since then.

What the Tower Looked Like

Elphinstone Tower used to have three levels, or storeys, and a stone walkway at the top called a parapet. It had a strong, arched ceiling in its basement. The first floor held the main hall and the original kitchen, separated by a wall. The upper floors had private rooms.

Many rooms and stairs were built right inside the thick walls of the tower. There was even a small peephole that allowed someone to secretly watch the hall.

By 1975, only the north wall remained, standing about 4 meters high, and it still had one doorway. The south wall had completely disappeared.

Images for kids

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  Remains of Elphinstone Tower