Hallforest Castle

Hallforest Castle is a keep, one of the oldest in Scotland,[1] as it dates from the 14th century. It is about a mile and a half from Kintore, in Aberdeenshire.[2]

Hallforest Castle

Alternative names are Castle of Hallforrest, Hall Forest Castle or simply Hallforrest.[1]

History

The castle is believed to have been built by Robert the Bruce as a hunting lodge; he is said to have granted it to Robert II Keith, Marischal of Scotland, the predecessor of the Earls of Kintore.[2] Mary, Queen of Scots visited Hallforrest in 1562.[2]

The castle was frequently attacked during the 17th-century wars.[1] It may have been abandoned shortly afterward, although it remains the property of the Earls of Kintore.[1]

Structure

Hallforrest is a plain oblong tower 48 feet (15 m) long and 36 feet (11 m) wide.[1] It once had a parapet, and probably a stone roof resting on an upper arch. It had two vaults, divided by entresol floors.[2] It seems that the entrance led to the first entresol floor. There are small gun-loops to the basement, which may have had a cattle door.[2]

Originally the castle had six floors, while its walls were 7 feet (2.1 m) thick. There are windows on the south. There is no evidence of masonry stairs; ladders and hatches must have been used.[1] The interior is now ruinous.[2]

To the north there are traces of what may have been an enclosing wall, and to the north west traces of a possible ditch or moat.[1]

It is a category B listed building.[3]

References
  1. "Castle of Hallforrest". Canmore. Retrieved 2014-04-02.
  2. Lindsay, Maurice (1986) The Castles of Scotland. Constable. ISBN 0-09-473430-5 p270
  3. "Hall Forest Castle". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 2014-04-08.

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