Building record MAB6733 - THUNDERTON HOUSE, THUNDERTON PLACE, ELGIN

House, now in commercial use, with a cobbled forecourt, built in the early-mid 17th century, but probably incorporating earlier building work.

House, now in commercial use, with a cobbled forecourt, built in the early-mid 17th century, but probably incorporating earlier building work. It is built on the site of the 'Great Lodging' of Scottish Kings, and owned during 14th and 15th centuries by Earls of Moray. By 1650, it was the property of the Sutherlands of Duffus, who added to and embellished the house, including a string-coursed tower. After the 1715 rising, it passed to the Dunbars (who had owned the property for a period during the late 16th century). In 1800, it was purchased by John Batchen, who let the lower portion as a chapel. The tower constructed by Lord Duffus was demolished in 1822 as part of a wider remodelling and reduction in size to create the present L-plan. It is constructed of rubble, with ashlar dressings and a slate roof. All that remains of the 17th century house are pedimented dormers that are carved with Duffus, Dunbar, Innes and Mackenzie monograms on the south elevation, and the north gable with grouped rectangular and diagonally set stacks. There are more carved dormerheads that are built into the courtyard elevations, which are largely of 1822, as is the Tuscan porch in the re-entrant angle to the west. The low courtyard wall incorporates a pair of heraldic beasts. There is a low two-storey range with garage and rooms over built onto the north gable of Thunderton House. It is constructed of rubble, and has a slate roof. There were a pair of stone figures bearing the Duffus arms flanking the door, which are now in the Elgin museum. In 1993 a watching brief was carried out by SUAT. Excavation revealed the remains of a former cobbled surface containing 19th century pottery. A drain which appeared to be contemporary with Thunderton House was observed at the east end of the trench (DES 1993:40).

Period Notes
Founded in the 14th century. The Dunbars owned the house in 1455, and Lord Duffus bought the house and added string-coursed tower in 1650. John Batchen bought it 1800. The tower was removed in 1822 when the house was remodelled into its current form. Listed designation given on 26/01/1971.

MACKINTOSH, HB, 1914, ELGIN PAST & PRESENT (Bibliographic reference). SAB1144.

CACHART, R, 1993, DES : THUNDERTON HOUSE, ELGIN, 40 (Bibliographic reference). SAB3851.

WATCHING BRIEF

SUAT, 1994, ELGIN BURGH SURVEY: ARCHAEOLOGICAL UPDATE, 12 (Bibliographic reference). SAB4738.

Author unknown, n.d., THE NORTHERN SCOT, 28/05/83 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1270.

Record last edited

Mar 14 2023 2:32PM