Eglinton Castle

Eglinton Castle was a large mansion in Irvine, North Ayrshire, Scotland.

History

The ancient seat of the Earls of Eglinton, it is located just south of the town of Kilwinning. Built between 1797 and 1802 in Gothic castellated style dominated by a central 100 foot large round keep and four 70 foot outer towers, it was second only to Culzean Castle in appearance and grandeur. Amongst many items of interest, the castle contained a chair built from the oak timbers of Alloway kirk and the back of the chair was inlaid with a brass plaque which bore the whole of Burn's poem 'Tam o' Shanter'.Aikman, J & Gordon, W. (1839) An Account of the Tournament at Eglinton. Pub. Hugh Paton, Carver & Gilder. Edinburgh. M.DCCC.XXXIX.] This was old off at the 1925 auction sale.Dowells Ltd. "Catalogue of the Superior Furnishings, French Furniture, etc." Tuesday, 1st December 1925, and Four following days.] The previous Eglington castle (sic) was described circa 1563 - 1566 as a" fare castell, but noo strenght aganists any power.""Military Report on the Districts of Carrick, Kyle & Cunningham." Archaeological & Historical Collections relating to Ayr & Wigton. 1884. Vol. IV. Pub. Ayr & Wigton Arch Assoc. P. 23.]

The Eglinton Tournament

Eglinton is best remembered for the lavish, if ill-fated Eglinton Tournament, a medieval-style tournament organised in 1839 by the 13th Earl. The expense and extent of the preparations became news across Scotland, and the railway line was even opened in advance of its official opening to ferry guests to Eglinton. Although high summer, in typical Scottish style torrential rain washed the proceedings out, despite the participants, in full period dress, gamely attempting to participate in events such as jousting. Amongst the participants was the future Napoleon III of France.

The demise of the castle

The immense cost of upkeep and the poor condition of the castle eventually took its toll on the family, so the castle was abandoned in the early years of the twentieth century. De-roofed in 1929, after a house contents sale in December 1925, and progressively ruinous, the building finally came to an undignified end during the Second World War when it was substantially destroyed during army training held there. The army also destroyed the iron bridge running to the old walled gardens and badly damaged the Tournament Bridge, which they partially rebuilt.

The 1925 house sale by Dowell's Limited, included 1960 items auctioned, raising £7004 19s 6d. The Auction Catalogue provides an interesting insight into the feelings of the family at this sad time, with much of the Montgomerie history sold off, such as the 13th Earl's suit of armour from the tournament, the panel from the door of the murdered 10th Earl's coach and many paintings of the fasmily and the castle, including a portrait of that great beauty, Susanna Kennedy, Countess of Eglinton.Dowells Ltd. "Catalogue of the Superior Furnishings, French Furniture, etc." Tuesday, 1st December 1925, and Four following days.]

Eglinton Country Park

In the 1970s plans were made to open the extensive grounds (988 acres) around the ruins to the public, and to that end what remained of the structure was made safe by demolishing all but a wing facade and a single tower. Eglinton Country Park is now fully established and is one of the most popular visitor (free) attractions in Ayrshire.

In 1963 Ian Anstruther wrote an entertaining account of the 1839 tournament entitled "The Knight and the Umbrella".

Eglinton castle 2007 gallery

The castle and estate prior to the establishment of the country park

The intact castle - exterior

The castle interior

Castle ruins

Estate features

Derelict estate features

The Earls of Eglinton

See also

*Eglinton Country Park
*Eglinton Tournament of 1839
*Eglinton Tournament bridge

References