Inveraray Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Inveraray Castle |
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| Inveraray, Argyll, Scotland, United Kingdom | |
Inveraray Castle in 2014
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 Inveraray Castle
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| Coordinates | 56°14′15″N 5°04′25″W / 56.2374808°N 5.0735762°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference NN095092 |
| Site information | |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Materials | Stone |
| Events | |
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Listed Building – Category A
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| Designated | 20 July 1971 |
| Reference no. | LB11552 |
Inveraray Castle is a beautiful country house in western Scotland. It sits on the shore of Loch Fyne, which is Scotland's longest sea loch. This amazing castle is one of the first buildings ever made in the "Gothic Revival" style. Since the 1700s, it has been the home of the Dukes of Argyll. They are the leaders of Clan Campbell, a famous Scottish family.
Contents
History and Architecture
Early Days of Inveraray Castle
Long ago, King James V of Scotland visited the old Inveraray Castle. This was in September 1533. He even had a new lute (a musical instrument) brought to him there!
Building the New Castle
The castle you see today was built in a style called Gothic Revival. This means it looks like old medieval castles but was built much later. Work on the new castle began in 1743. Archibald Campbell, who became the 3rd Duke of Argyll, started the project. The first stone was laid in October 1746. It replaced an older castle from the 1400s.
Inveraray Castle is one of the earliest Gothic Revival buildings. Another famous one is Strawberry Hill House. The castle was built using a type of stone called ashlar lapis ollaris. Originally, the roofs were flat and had battlements (like the top of a castle wall). Later, a third floor was added with sloped roofs and dormer windows. The four round towers also got tall, pointed roofs.
In the 1770s, the nearby village of Inveraray was moved. It was rebuilt a short distance away. This gave the castle a more private and peaceful setting.
Castle Designers and Changes
Many talented people worked on the new castle. These included architects like William Adam and Roger Morris. Later, in the 1700s, Robert Mylne designed some beautiful rooms inside. He made these rooms for the 5th Duke. These special rooms are now open for visitors to explore.
The 1975 Fire
In 1975, a big fire seriously damaged Inveraray Castle. For a while, the 12th Duke and his family lived in the castle's basement. People from all over the world helped raise money to fix the castle. Thanks to their help, the castle was restored to its former glory.
Modern Era
Visiting Inveraray Castle
Today, Inveraray Castle is open for visitors to enjoy. Inside, you can see an amazing collection of over 1,300 weapons. These include pikes, muskets, and swords.
Life at the Castle Today
The 13th Duke and his family still live at Inveraray Castle. Their private apartments are on two floors, between two of the castle's round towers. Recently, the castle got its first central heating system. It is powered by burning wood-chips from the family's own forests. Before this, the castle was only heated by open fires.
The Castle Estate
Inveraray Castle is a very important historic building. It is surrounded by a 16-acre garden. The entire estate covers a huge 60,000 acres! Besides welcoming visitors, the estate also manages forests, farms, and uses wind and water to make power. They also do deer stalking.
Ghostlore
Some local stories say that Inveraray Castle is haunted. People believe it is home to the ghost of a harp player. This harpist was executed in 1644.
Images for kids
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A lithograph of Inveraray Castle, 1880
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Panoramic view from the garden
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View from the garden
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Facade on the garden
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Close view of the façade
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Inveraray interior great hall
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Inveraray interior
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Inveraray interior detail
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Inveraray interior sitting room
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Inveraray interior dining room
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Inveraray interior kitchen
