Balquhain Castle is a ruined tower house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was the stronghold of the Leslies of Balquhain. The castle is located 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) west of Inverurie, and is protected as a scheduled monument.[1]

Balquhain Castle
Aberdeenshire
Ruins of Balquhain Castle
Balquhain Castle is located in Aberdeenshire
Balquhain Castle
Balquhain Castle
Coordinates57°18′08″N 2°26′50″W / 57.302225°N 2.447087°W / 57.302225; -2.447087
TypeTower house
Site information
Controlled byClan Leslie
Site history
Built15th century
Built byClan Leslie
Demolished1746

History

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The castle was built in the 14th century and held by Leslie’s family from 1340.[2] On 5 July 1441 John Leslie of Balquhain made an indenture with four masons, David Hardgat, David Dun, Robert Masoun and Gilbert Masoun that they would complete his building work.[3]

The castle was sacked during a feud with the Forbes family in 1526.[2] The castle was rebuilt in 1530. Mary Queen of Scots in 1562 stayed at the castle prior to the Battle of Corrichie. It was burned by the forces of Prince William, Duke of Cumberland in 1746 and was abandoned.

The castle

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The tower measures 13.75 by 8.75 metres (45.1 by 28.7 ft), and is surrounded by the remains of a barmkin.[1]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b Historic Environment Scotland. "Balquhain Castle (SM90)". Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  2. ^ a b Coventry, p.329.
  3. ^ Stuart, John, Extracts from the council registers of Aberdeen, Spalding Club (1844), p.397, note of the indenture recorded 23 June 1442.

References

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  • Coventry, Martin (2010). Castles of the Clans; The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans (Reprint ed.). Musselburgh, Scotland: Goblinshead. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
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