Building record MAB23912 - WALLACE TOWER, BENHOLM'S LODGE

House re-erected on this site in 1971.

House re-erected on this site in 1971. Benholm's Lodge, known locally as Wallace Tower, was built between 1610 and 1616. It was moved from its original site at NJ94190627 (NJ90NW0513) and re-erected in 1971. The house was built at its original location on Nethgerkirkgate, by Sir Robert Keith of Benholm, a younger brother of the Earl Marischal, who had founded Marischal College. Keith bought the land on which the house originally sat in 1588 and the house was built shortly afterwards. The house was a Z-plan fortified townhouse, with two round towers at the south west and north east corners of the building. The building features a number of carved heraldic stones of interest and it also features a stone carved figure of a man holding a sword. In the 18th century, the building acquired the name of the Wallace Tower and it has been suggested that the figure represents William Wallace, the leader of the Scottish army in the late 13th century. However, this is unlikely, the figure is probably a representation of Robert Keith and the name Wallace Tower probably derives from Well Tower, or Well House Tower a variant name for the building. Over the centuries the house has had many different and varied occupants and uses. In 1768 it was owned by one John Niven, a snuff and tobacco merchant. Niven extended the front of the building and added a south wing to it. In 1895 one James Pirie, a spirit dealer, bought the house and it became the Wallace Tower Pub. The building remained as a quite famous local pub until the 20th century. In 1965 the area was developed and a large Marks and Spencer store built on the site of the Tower. The tower was removed from its original site and moved to a park in the north of the city (Seaton Park, off Tillydrone Road) where it was reconstructed. A plaque marks its original location in the city centre whilst a second plaque on the building tells the story of the building and its move. Photographic recording was carried out in 2024 ahead of proposed development.

Period Notes
Listed 12/01/1967. Built 1610-6. Re-erected on this site 1971.

SMR-1-10-17A, SMR-1-10-17A (Ground Photograph). SAB36423.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 01/06/1988 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 17/12/1986 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

MELDRUM, E, 1962, PSAS 95(1961-2) 249-61, PSAS 95, 249-61 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1151.

ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL, 2016, OLD ABERDEEN TRAIL: A GUIDE TO OLD ABERDEEN (Bibliographic reference). SAB8368.

JAMES ROY ASSOCIATES, 2023, WALLACE TOWER (BENHOLM LODGING) HERITAGE STATEMENT AND REPORT (Bibliographic reference). SAB946.

Jan 5 1977 , 5359-02, 5359-02 (Ground Photograph). SAB34042.

Jan 12 2024 , 2300903/LBC, 2300903/LBC (Ground Photograph). SAB36706.

Sep 6 1984 , CY 35, CY 35 (Ground Photograph). SAB34041.

Record last edited

Oct 14 2024 11:35AM