 Castles in Aberdeenshire Castles in Wales
Castles in England Castles in Scotland |
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Balmoral Castle | |
County |
Aberdeenshire | |
How to get there |
7 miles west of Ballater, on A93 | |
History
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The first mention
of the property was in 1484 when it was probably a small tower house. In the 17th century the estate belonged to the Farquharsons and by the end of the 18th century to the Earl of Fife. The early 19th century mansion was built by John Smith, an architect from Aberdeen. In 1848 Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Balmoral for the first time to view the property they had bought but never seen. The pleasant, wooded countryside was ideal for a holiday retreat and the drier climate of this part of Scotland was recommended by the Queen's physician. In 1856 Prince Albert had the mansion demolished and replaced by a castle in the neo-Gothic, 'Scottish Baronial' style. The result was a picturesque castle with towers, turrets and crenellations. A stone about 100 yards to the south east of the new building marks the site of the former mansion. The proportions of Albert's new castle are not altogether satisfying and the Great Tower with its turrets is top-heavy. However, the pale granite stonework is very fine and the facade of the castle most imposing. |
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