Sorn Castle facts for kids
Sorn Castle is a cool old castle found next to the River Ayr. It's just outside the village of Sorn in East Ayrshire, Scotland. The castle started as a strong, tall building called a tower house way back in the Middle Ages. Over many years, more parts were added to it. In the 1860s, a famous architect named David Bryce gave it a new look. He used a special Scottish castle style called Scots Baronial. Today, Sorn Castle is a very important old building. It is protected as a category A listed building, which means it's a special historical place.
The Castle's Story
A sign on the castle wall shares some important dates about its past. It says the castle was around in 1409. More parts were added in 1783. It was fixed up in 1865 and made even bigger in 1909.
Early Days of Sorn Castle
The oldest part of Sorn Castle is its original tower house. This tall, strong building has three floors. It was built in the 1400s, or maybe even earlier! This first tower is located at the back-left side of the castle you see today. In the 1500s, the tower was made longer towards the west.
Changes Over Time
Later, in the late 1700s, more parts were added to the castle. These new sections were built in a "castellated" style. This means they had features like battlements, making them look even more like a traditional castle.
In the 1860s, the Somervell family owned Sorn Castle. They asked David Bryce, a well-known architect, to change how the building looked. He gave it the fancy Scots Baronial style we see now.
Then, in 1908, Thomas W. McIntyre bought the castle. He hired another architect, Henry Edward Clifford. Clifford designed a new main entrance for the castle. Thomas McIntyre also updated the inside of the castle.
A Royal Visit
Sorn Castle has even hosted royalty! In September 1598, there was a big wedding party at the castle. It was for Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox and Jean Campbell. She was a great-granddaughter of James IV of Scotland. King James VI of Scotland himself came to the party! He stayed at Sorn Castle for two nights to celebrate with everyone.
