Melville Castle

Category

Library Item

Item no

12927

Title

Melville Castle

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1880

Size

13.9 x 19 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying descriptive text in the volume begins as follows:
'This mansion, the residence of the Right Hon. Viscount Melville, is situated in the parish of Lasswade, about six miles south of Edinburgh&The house is a castellated structure, with circular towers, and was built in the year 1786, from designs by John Playfair, architect&It stands on the site of an old house of that name, which tradition says was once a hunting seat of Mary Queen of Scots, and where her secretary Melville had his residence. An oak and two ash trees are there growing which are said to have been planted by David Rizzio, and which their size and venerable appearance render not improbable. The old house was taken down by Mr Henry Dundas, and the present edifice was erected on its site.'

The full text may be viewed from the volume which is held at the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection in Edinburgh Central Library.

Melville Castle is now an hotel and events venue.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Turrets

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Mansions

Landscape > Land > Estates

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Plants > Trees > Trees