Tolquhon Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tolquhon Castle |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Coordinates | 57°20′53″N 2°12′48″W / 57.3481°N 2.2132°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 1584-1589 |
| Built by | William Forbes |
| Official name | Tolquhon Castle |
| Type | Secular: castle; garden; gateway; tower; well; yett |
| Designated | 31 December 1921 |
| Reference no. | SM90302 |
Tolquhon Castle (pronounced "ta-HOON") is a historic castle found in Aberdeenshire, a region in north-east Scotland. It is located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north-west of Pitmedden and 2 miles (3.2 km) south of Tarves.
The castle was built by William Forbes, who was the 7th Laird (or landowner) of Tolquhon. He started building it between 1584 and 1589. It was an addition to an older building called Preston's Tower, which was a type of strong, tall house. Even though the castle is now a ruin, it is considered a great example of Scottish Renaissance style. Historic Scotland looks after the castle, and it is open for people to visit.
Contents
History of Tolquhon Castle
Early Beginnings
The oldest part of Tolquhon Castle is Preston's Tower. It was built in the early 1400s. It might have been built by Sir Henry Preston or by his son-in-law, Sir William Forbes. Sir William Forbes took over some of the Preston family's land in 1420 after Sir Henry passed away.
William Forbes' Vision
Many years later, William Forbes, the 7th Laird of Tolquhon, decided to build a new castle. He started this project in 1584. He kept Preston's Tower but added new, more comfortable living spaces around it. He also improved the gardens and the land around his home.
The new buildings were arranged around a central courtyard. They included a fancy gatehouse and a long gallery on the first floor. A message carved into the gatehouse tells us when the work happened: "AL THIS WARKE EXCEP THE AULD TOWR WAS BEGUN BE WILLIAM FORBES 15 APRIL 1584 AND ENDIT BE HIM 20 OCTOBER 1589." This means all the new parts were built between April 1584 and October 1589.
A Castle for Show, Not Just Defense
Tolquhon Castle was designed more for showing off wealth and style than for strong defense. It was built by a skilled stonemason and architect named Thomas Leper or Leiper. He was known for his unique triple shot-holes near the main entrance. These can also be seen at other castles like Arnage Castle. Another special feature is the stone tile floor in the main hall.
In July 1589, King James VI even visited Tolquhon Castle.
Later Years and Ruin
After William Forbes died in 1596, his family continued to live at Tolquhon. However, they had to leave in 1718 because of money problems. These problems were caused by a failed Scottish trading plan called the Darien scheme.
After the family left, the castle slowly fell into ruin. Today, it is looked after by Historic Scotland and is open to the public. Tolquhon Castle is also protected as a scheduled monument, which means it's an important historical site.
What Tolquhon Castle Looks Like
The main entrance to the castle is on the north side. Preston's Tower forms the north-east corner of the building. The long gallery is on the first floor of the west side. The main hall is on the south side and can be reached by stairs from the courtyard. There was even a prison inside the south-east tower.
North of the main castle area, there is a walled outer courtyard. Here, you can still see the remains of a doocot, which was a building for keeping pigeons.
Images for kids
-
A view of Tolquhon Castle from the front.
-
The main hall seen from above, with the countryside around it.
-
The central courtyard and the living areas at the back of the castle.
-
A close-up of the unique stone tile floor in the main hall.
-
The Tolquhon tomb in Tarves churchyard. William Forbes, who built the castle, had this tomb built in 1589 for himself and his wife, Elizabeth Gordon.
