Castle Fraser

Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland and one of the grandest 'Castles of Mar'. It is located near Kemnay in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland. The castle stands in over 300 acres (1.2 km²) of open woodland and farmland, including a walled garden and two forest trails. There is archaeological evidence of an older square tower beneath the current construction.

Construction

Originally known as "Muchall-in-Mar", construction of the elaborate, five-storey Z-plan castle was begun in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser, on the basis of an earlier tower from around 1400, and was completed in 1636. A panel on the northern side of the castle is signed "I Bel", believed to be the mark of the master mason John Bell of Midmar, the castle is a joint creation with another master mason of this period, Thomas Leiper and with James Leiper. [ [http://www.rcahms.gov.uk/pls/portal/newcanmore.newcandig_details_gis?inumlink=18722 Castle Fraser] Taken from "Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide", by Ian Shepherd, 2006. Published by the Rutland Press]

Castle Fraser is contemporary with other famous nearby castles: Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Muchalls Castle. Muchalls Castle was built over a 13th-century stronghold of Clan Fraser, and its 17th-century reconstruction was also conducted by master mason Leiper.

The castle was modernised in a classical style in the late 1700s, with a new entrance inserted in the south side and sash windows throughout. This work was supervised by Elyza Fraser, the lady laird. Elyza was also responsible for the re-landscaping of the grounds and the construction of the impressive stable block.

The interiors of the building were entirely reconstructed again between 1820 and 1850, by Charles Fraser, using the architects John Smith and William Burn. The Library is a fine example of John (Tudor Johnny) Smith's regency style with Tudor detailing. Sadly, many of William Burn's more extravagant gothic designs were not carried out.

External works during this period included the construction of the twin gatehouses and a grand domed stair and access corridors with loggias in the courtyard.

The castle was given a partial 'restoration' by the new owners around 1950. The architect and antiquary Dr William Kelly supervised the removal of much 19th-century work to reveal the earlier fabric.

Ownership

Castle Fraser was built as the home of the Frasers of Muchalls, later Frasers of Castle Fraser. In 1897 the last male Fraser of the direct line, Frederick, died childless. In 1921 his widow, Theodora, sold the castle due to the lack of a suitable heir and mounting financial difficulties. The buyer was Weetman Pearson, First Vicount Cowdray. The Pearson family restored the castle as a shooting lodge and gifted it to the National Trust for Scotland in 1976. [ [http://www.rampantscotland.com/castles/blcastles_fraser.htm Scottish Castles Photo Library - Castle Fraser, Aberdeenshire] Accessed 21th June 2008]

Ghosts

Legend has it that a young princess was once staying at the castle when she was brutally murdered while asleep in the 'Green Room'. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they tried, the occupants of the castle could not scrub out the stains, and so were forced to cover the steps in wood panelling, which remains today. It is said she still stalks the halls of the castle during the night. It is more likely, however, that the stone stairs were covered to make them easier to climb as they were used as the servants stair in the 19th century.

Numerous sightings of ghosts were reported by former Property Manager, Eric Wilkinson, and piano music was said to be frequently heard in the empty castle by its former owner, Lavinia Smiley.

Castle Fraser has recently been used as a backdrop for some of the scenes shot in the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning film "The Queen", starring Helen Mirren. Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to visitors from Easter to October. It can also be hired for weddings and corporate events.

Gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.borntoloaf.co.uk/castlefraser.htm History of Castle Fraser and information about the ghosts]
* [http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/16/ NTS Castle Fraser Webpage]

References

*Tranter, Nigel, "The Fortified House in Scotland"
*Smiley, Lavinia, "The Frasers of Castle Fraser"