Thirlestane Castle facts for kids
Thirlestane Castle is a magnificent castle located in the beautiful countryside of the Borders region of Scotland. It sits on a piece of high ground called Castle Hill, near the town of Lauder. For over 400 years, the castle has been the home of the Maitland family, who were the Earls of Lauderdale.
The castle was made much larger in the 1670s by the powerful Duke of Lauderdale. More parts were added in the 1800s. Today, Thirlestane Castle is looked after by a special charity and is open for everyone to visit.
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The Castle's Long History
Long before the current castle was built, a large fort stood on Castle Hill. This was also the site of an old church. In 1482, a dramatic event happened here. King James III's friends, including an architect named Robert Cochrane, were captured by a group of powerful nobles. The nobles, led by Archibald Douglas, 5th Earl of Angus, executed them on a nearby bridge.
In the 1500s, the castle was owned by Robert Lauder. He gave it to his daughter Alison as a dowry (a gift from a bride's family to her husband) when she married George Wedderhede. Sadly, the family was caught in local conflicts and did not live long.
During a war with England in the 1540s, known as the 'Rough Wooing', English soldiers built a large fort where the castle now stands. A few years later, local people were ordered to take the fort apart.
In 1587, the land was sold to Sir John Maitland. He soon began building his new home on the site of the old fort.
The Powerful Maitland Family
The Maitland family came to Britain from Normandy with William the Conqueror in 1066. They became an important family through military service and their work in law and the arts.
Sir John Maitland was a very important person. He was the Secretary of Scotland, a top government official. In 1587, he bought the Thirlestane land and built a large square tower house. This new home replaced the family's older, crumbling castle nearby. In 1590, he became Lord Chancellor of Scotland, the most important legal officer in the country.
King James VI of Scotland visited the castle several times for events like weddings and other stays.
A Grand Transformation
John Maitland's grandson, also named John, became the Duke of Lauderdale. He was one of the most powerful men in Scotland in the 1600s. As Secretary of State for Scotland, he basically ran the country for the king.
The Duke wanted a home that showed his power. Between 1670 and 1676, he hired the famous architect Sir William Bruce to turn the castle into a grand palace. They added the two large towers you see at the front today and a beautiful grand staircase. Inside, they created amazing rooms with stunning plaster ceilings. The Duke loved his home at Thirlestane and even considered being buried nearby.
A Country Home and a School
By the 1800s, life in Scotland was more peaceful. The castle became a comfortable country home for the Earls of Lauderdale. In 1840, architects David Bryce and William Burn added new wings to the castle. These wings included new kitchens, laundries, and rooms for servants.
During World War Two, the castle had a very different role. It became a temporary home for St. Hilary's, a girls' school from Edinburgh. The students used the grand rooms as classrooms and the upper floors as dormitories.
Thirlestane Castle Today
In 1972, Captain Gerald Maitland-Carew inherited the castle. It was in very bad condition and needed a lot of work. To save the historic building, a charitable trust was created in 1984. With help from government funds, the castle was carefully repaired and preserved for the future.
Today, Thirlestane Castle is a popular attraction. Visitors can explore the castle's amazing rooms, which are filled with fine collections of paintings, furniture, and porcelain. There is also a historic toy collection. The castle and its beautiful grounds are open to the public for much of the year. Holiday lodges have also been built on the grounds for visitors who want to stay longer.
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