Building record MAB16633 - FRENDRAUGHT HOUSE

House, built on site of earlier castle.

House, built on site of earlier castle. The original tower house/ha' hoose was burnt in 1630 and rebuilt in 1656, incorporating the earlier work, recast circa 1753 and an east wing added circa 1790-1800. Two small chamfered windows in the West gable appear to be the oldest features, possibly dating to the 14th century, although cellars of this wing probably belong to the original 'ha' hoose', burnt in 1630. Fragments of the adjacent tower, which was demolished in 1947, adhere to the East elevation. The 17th century rebuild consists of an imposing seven window harled front with an ashlar-faced three window slightly advanced centre topped by a strong semi-circular pediment. The porch, which features a datestone inscribed '1688', was added when the angle tower was topped with battlements and bartizans, circa 1832. The lands of Frendraught were owned by the Crichton family, and on the 13th November 1535 James V visited the castle and granted a charter to Sir James Crichton. Much of the original castle was destroyed by fire in 1630 during a feud with the Gordon family. The story told is that in 1630, Crichton's grandson killed Gordon of Rothiemay and mortally wounded Gordon of Leslie. The Marquess of Huntly, as a friend of both parties, intervened and arranged for him to pay a large sum to the relatives. Subsequently, one of Crichton's party seriously wounded a son of Leslie of Pitcaple in continuation of the feud. Leslie declined to accept any compensation and threatened to intercept Crichton's return from Gordon Castle (Fochabers). The Marquess sent his own son, Viscount Melgund, Gordon of Rothiemay and six followers as an escort home in October 1630. The party reached Frendraught safely and the Gordons were invited to stay for the night. Viscount Melgund, Gordon of Rothiemay and four followers died in the fire that took hold during the night but Crichton and his family escaped. Crichton was tried and acquitted of their murders, and John Meldrum, an old servant of Crichton's was executed in Edinburgh for the murders in August 1631. The 'ashes and brynt bones' of the victims were gathered by the Gordons and buried in the Kirk at Gartly. Lady Rothiemay believed in Crichton's involvement, and employed Highlanders to attack and plunder his lands and family. The property was passed to the Morrison family about 1690. The house was restored in 1984 and is still occupied.

Period Notes
First record 1202, 1257; burning of old castle 1630; recast c.1753; east wing c.1790-1800; porch added c.1832 with a 1688 datestone; offices to north added late 17th/early 18th century; Morison house since c.1690; most demolished in 1947; restoration began 1984. Listed 16/04/1971.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 14/11/64 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

Author unknown, , SCOTTISH NOTES AND QUERIES, VOL IX(1931) 173-6 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1839.

ORDNANCE SURVEY, 1871, Ordnance Name Book, No31(1870) 54 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1360.

GROOME, FH, 1884, ORDNANCE GAZETEER OF SCOTLAND, VOL 2, PLATE 13 (Bibliographic reference). SAB603.

MACGIBBON, D, 1892, THE CASTELLATED AND DOMESTIC ARCHITECTURE OF SCOTLAND, 1-5, No4,392 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1140.

SHEPHERD, I.A.G.S., 2006, DONSIDE & STRATHBOGIE: ARCHITECTURAL GUIDE, pp.34-35 (Bibliographic reference). SAB3366.

Feb 28 1990 , JX 1-2,4,6-15, JX 1-2,4,6-15 (Ground Photograph). SAB33771.

Feb 28 1990 , SC 990289, SC 990289 (Ground Photograph). SAB20360.

Jan 1 1990 , AAS/GR/90/CT292-294, AAS/GR/90/CT292-294 (Ground Photograph). SAB32785.

SDD, n.d., BLDS OF ARCH & HIST INTEREST, FORGUE 21 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1827.

Author unknown, n.d., NSA, VOL 12, 601 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1269.

Record last edited

Apr 16 2024 12:20PM