Kellie Castle

Carnbee, United Kingdom

The earliest records of Kellie go back to 1150 where it is mentioned in a charter issued by King David I. The first known owner was Robert of London, the illegitimate son of King William the Lion. None of the early buildings to have survived.

The estate was signed over to a Siward relative, Walter Oliphant, in 1360 and the castle remained in the ownership of the Oliphant family until 1613. It was purchased by Sir Thomas Erskine, who had saved the life of King James VI during the Gowrie Conspiracy. The King stayed at Kellie in 1617 during his only visit to Scotland after the Union of the Crowns, and he appointed Erskine as Earl of Kellie in 1619.

Originally a simple tower house, the lower section of what now constitutes the northwest tower is the oldest part of the castle, dating from around 1360, and is said to be haunted. In 1573 a new tower was built by the 4th Lord Oliphant to the east of the original tower. It is believed that the 4th Lord built the east tower as a jointure-house (a property set aside for the wife after the husband's death) for his wife Margaret. Between 1573 and 1606 the two towers were linked by a new range, terminated by another tower in the south-west, creating the T-plan layout that remains today. The castle is a fine example of Scots Baronial domestic architecture, with an imposing mix of gables, corbelled towers, and chimneys.

The walled garden is 17th century, with late Victorian additions, contains a fine collection of old-fashioned roses, fruit trees and herbaceous plants.

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Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Jennifer Miles (2 years ago)
Such an unexpected treat! We had been visiting in St. Andrews for the day and had extra time left before sunset. We raced over to Kellie Castle and had the entire place to ourselves (off season perks). We arrived just as the most beautiful sherbet sunset was sinking on the skyline. Although we could not tour inside of the castle, the grounds themselves are beautiful to walk around.
Angela Brown (2 years ago)
Sadly, Kellie Castle was closed when we went to visit, however we were still able to tour the grounds and explore the area. The grounds are very pretty and there are lots of flowers to see, take pictures of or purchase. I should have paid better attention to the hours of operation and when I return I’d like to visit this castle.
Dave Connelly (2 years ago)
Stunning 1600s castle in beautiful surroundings. Cafe with good food but the tour was fantastic. Our guide Kirsten was full of information and enthusiasm, she made the history come to life. Absolutely worth a visit
John Rundell (2 years ago)
The car park is ok size, when we visited it was nearly full. The woodland walk is small and very easy just round the outside of the castle. The adventure play area is just off the walk and there is a lot of equipment to play on. There is a small labyrinth (paths made through the meadow) great for letting kids run off some energy. You can also find the picnic tables here. The toilets are outside the castle in a small round building. You have to book a time slot to go into the castle. The tours start on the hour and last 1hour. The guides you get two one for the first floor different guide for the second and they very informative and very knowledgeable and very appreciative that you took the time to come and visit. The gardens are very well looked after and you can buy some of the fruit and vegetable they grow. There is a few benches placed around the gardens.
D Ev (2 years ago)
Nice and lovely castle, due to missing staff we had a tour through the castle. It was vert informative and interesting. We will go there again and test the cafe ;-) The garden looks great and the fruits and vegetables are for sale.
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