Brunstane Castle

Brunstane Castle (alternatively Brunston, Brunstain or Brunstone Castle) is a ruined L-plan tower house, dating from the 16th century, around 2 miles (3.2 km) south-west of Penicuik, on the north bank of the North Esk, in Midlothian, Scotland.[1][2]

Brunstane Castle
Brunstane Castle
Coordinates55.8106°N 3.2755°W / 55.8106; -3.2755
Site history
Built16th century

It is not to be confused with Brunstane House, Edinburgh.[1]

History

The castle was originally a property of the Crichtons. The protestant reformer George Wishart was arrested from the tower and taken to St Andrews, where he was martyred.[1] He had been under the care of Alexander Crichton of Brunstane. The castle was burned in 1547,[1] allegedly by Lord Gray.[2]

In 1632 John, Lord Maitland, acquired the property, which he extended.[1]

Structure

The castle, which has two storeys and a garret, has a square stair tower, in the re-entrant angle.[2] The stair tower has a corbelled-out caphouse. Under the windows there are gun-loops. There is a large fireplace in the kitchen, which is in the basement. The Hall was on the first floor.[1] Over the doorway is an armorial panel.[3] There are still remains of the courtyard, with a square tower dated 1568.[1] The courtyard has a round-arched postern in the east wall.[3]

The building is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.[4]

References
  1. Coventry Martin (1997) The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead. ISBN 1 899874 10 0 p92
  2. "Brunstane Castle". Canmore. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
  3. "Brunstane Castle". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 2014-09-17.
  4. Historic Environment Scotland. "Brunston Castle (SM1192)". Retrieved 24 February 2019.
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