Hoddom Castle was built by Sir John Maxwell of Terregles as part of a line of defensive structures completed by him in the 1560s. The original structure was four storeys and a garret built on a 'L' plan. The stair tower reached up a further level to form a caphouse with wall walk. The height of the castle reaches 75 feet and the walls are between 12 and 15 feet thick!
The castle was sold to Murray of Cockpool in 1626 by Sir John's grandson, William, Lord Herries. Murray extended the wheel stair up another level and added the distinctive pinnacle roofs over the corner rounds. He also added the first of a whole series of extensions which have scarred the exterior stone work.
After several changes of ownership including the celebrated Charles Kirkpatrick Sharp, the Castle came to the Brook family who employed William Burn to modify the place in the 19th century. Burn was a great exponent of the Scottish Baronial style and encased the whole ancient edifice within a baronial mansion.
During the Second World War the castle and grounds were requisitioned and allied servicemen lived in the extensive structure. The mansion fell into disrepair in the 1950s, which prompted the demolition of all the Victorian additions revealing the 16th and 17th century towerhouse.
Today the castle is uninhabited and surrounded by a caravan park hence it being locked up tight. So external shots only (and not the best, i'm a simple explorer not a photographer i'm afraid!
The castle was sold to Murray of Cockpool in 1626 by Sir John's grandson, William, Lord Herries. Murray extended the wheel stair up another level and added the distinctive pinnacle roofs over the corner rounds. He also added the first of a whole series of extensions which have scarred the exterior stone work.
After several changes of ownership including the celebrated Charles Kirkpatrick Sharp, the Castle came to the Brook family who employed William Burn to modify the place in the 19th century. Burn was a great exponent of the Scottish Baronial style and encased the whole ancient edifice within a baronial mansion.
During the Second World War the castle and grounds were requisitioned and allied servicemen lived in the extensive structure. The mansion fell into disrepair in the 1950s, which prompted the demolition of all the Victorian additions revealing the 16th and 17th century towerhouse.
Today the castle is uninhabited and surrounded by a caravan park hence it being locked up tight. So external shots only (and not the best, i'm a simple explorer not a photographer i'm afraid!