Wedderburn Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wedderburn Castle |
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| Former names | Wedderburn House |
| General information | |
| Type | ashlar |
| Architectural style | Adam style |
| Address | TD11 3LT |
| Town or city | 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Duns, Berwickshire |
| Country | Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°46′07″N 2°18′25″W / 55.768638°N 2.306979°W |
| Construction started | 1768–69, incorporating 15th century tower house; James Nisbet, 1770–1775 |
| Completed | later alterations, including demolition of surviving parts of tower house (to NE) during early 19th century |
| Owner | David Home Miller |
| Governing body | Private |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 3 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Robert and James Adam |
Wedderburn Castle is a beautiful old country house in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. It was built in the 1700s and is now a popular place for weddings and other special events. This historic house is officially recognized as a very important building. Its large gardens are also famous.
Contents
History of Wedderburn Castle
Wedderburn Castle has been the family home of the Home of Wedderburn family for a very long time. This family is a branch of the larger Clan Home.
Who Designed the Castle?
The castle was designed and built between 1771 and 1775. It was created by two famous architect brothers, Robert Adam and James Adam. James Nisbet was in charge of the building work. They built it for Patrick Home of Billie.
Castle Style and Changes
Wedderburn Castle looks like a strong, old castle with its three-story walls and battlements. It was built in a style known as "Adam Castle style." Even though it looks balanced from the outside, it actually hides a rectangular courtyard inside.
This courtyard used to be filled by an even older building, a tower house from the 1600s or earlier. This old tower house was also called Wedderburn Castle. Most of it was taken down in the early 1800s. Now, only a special stone panel with a family crest remains from the original tower.
Exploring the Castle Grounds
You can reach Wedderburn Castle by driving through the north gate, also called the Lion Gate, which was built in 1794. The long driveway starts from the West Gate.
Outbuildings and Gates
As you drive along, you'll pass the old stables, which were built in the 1700s. These stables form a square courtyard with an archway. You'll also see the cottages where the staff used to live. The West Gate is another archway with screen walls and small gabled buildings next to it.
Inside Wedderburn Castle
When you enter the castle through the main porch, you'll see the Home of Wedderburn family's coat of arms above the door. Inside, there's a grand double staircase with a fancy iron railing.
Main Rooms and Features
The staircase leads up to a balcony. Behind this balcony is a long hallway that connects the drawing room and the dining room. Above the front door, there's a "minstrel gallery," which is another long balcony connecting the drawing room and dining room.
To the right of the staircase, you'll find the drawing room and the morning room (which used to be a smoking room). Beyond these rooms is the large ballroom. The castle has several beautiful fireplaces, including one by the famous artist Piranesi. To the left of the staircase are the dining room and another staircase leading to the bedrooms. The ground floor has a big kitchen and more bedrooms, which were originally for the servants.
The Castle Owners
For a long time, the Earls of Douglas were the main landowners of Wedderburn around 1413. They gave the land to "his esquire, David de Home." Later, in 1413, George de Dunbar, Earl of March, confirmed this gift.
Homes Take Ownership
By 1550, the Home family had become the main owners of Wedderburn. Records show that David Home and his brother held the land directly from the Crown.
Royal Visit
Mary, Queen of Scots even visited Wedderburn Castle in November 1566. From there, she rode to Halidon Hill to meet John Foster, who was the Marshal of Berwick.
Family Names Today
Over the years, daughters from this branch of the Home family would keep the "Home" name and add it to their married names. This is why you might see family names like Forman Home, Milne Home, Home Robertson, and Home Miller. The current owners of Wedderburn Castle are David Home Miller and Catherine Macdonald-Home.
Images for kids
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Wedderburn Castle main gate
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The coat of arms of George Home of Wedderburn
