Midhope Castle, South Queensferry, United Kingdom

Midhope Castle is a 16th-century tower house in Scotland. The derelict castle that can be seen today represents the much-altered 5-storey, oblong tower house.

In 1678, Midhope was given a facelift when an entrance tower was removed and the extension to the east was heightened and extended. A new doorway was added along with a small courtyard.

In the 15th-century Midhope belonged to the Martin family. During the latter 16th century, the castle belonged to Alexander Drummond of Midhope, brother to Robert Drummond of Carnock, Master of Work to the Crown of Scotland. A stone inscribed 'AD 1582 MB' commemorates Alexander and his wife Marjory Bruce.

A painted ceiling from the tower survives in the care of Historic Scotland at Edinburgh; it is planned to be put on public display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. It includes cinquefoil motifs and probably commemorates the marriage of Sir Robert Drummond, who became laird in 1619, to a Hamilton heiress. The family motto was 'ad astra per ardua' and fragments from another painted ceiling had gold stars, represented in the crest of the coat of arms.

A large, two-chambered, oblong, late 17th century dovecot sits about 140 metres (150 yd) to the southeast.

References:

Wikipedia

Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Igor Smy (7 months ago)
Outlander fans place. Good place to come and see. Only outside. Not a lot to see around. Located in the middle of private farm

Melissa Oswald (8 months ago)
Such a beautiful place to visit! Amazing history! An awesome Outlander filming location for those of you that are Jamie fans! It's a must see! It will take your breath away!

E craven (8 months ago)
If you love Outlander you will enjoy visiting. Although it is just the external of the building it is a beautiful building. You don't need to spend a long time there but it is a great stop off point in your journey, just make sure to pre-book you visit ticket via the website ? I would definitely recommend a visit if you have the time to stop off. I would say the maximum time you need to spend there is 30 minutes.

Andrew Bowdler (8 months ago)
Wish Scottish National trust would take over and renovate this amazing building. Loved visiting, beautiful castle, Outlanders finest.?

Philip Grant (9 months ago)
If you are a fan then this is a must see, it's exactly per the film as you first approach. Great pic opportunity sat on the steps. Note there is nothing else there to see and you only need around 1/2 hr. You can not enter the building just look around the outside.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Nicola since 1972

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Royal Palace of Naples was one of the four residences near Naples used by the Bourbon Kings during their rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (1734-1860): the others were the palaces of Caserta, Capodimonte overlooking Naples, and the third Portici, on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Construction on the present building was begun in the 17th century by the architect Domenico Fontana. Intended to house the King Philip III of Spain on a visit never fulfilled to this part of his kingdom, instead it initially housed the Viceroy Fernando Ruiz de Castro, count of Lemos. By 1616, the facade had been completed, and by 1620, the interior was frescoed by Battistello Caracciolo, Giovanni Balducci, and Belisario Corenzio. The decoration of the Royal Chapel of Assumption was not completed until 1644 by Antonio Picchiatti.

In 1734, with the arrival of Charles III of Spain to Naples, the palace became the royal residence of the Bourbons. On the occasion of his marriage to Maria Amalia of Saxony in 1738, Francesco De Mura and Domenico Antonio Vaccaro helped remodel the interior. Further modernization took place under Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. In 1768, on the occasion of his marriage to Maria Carolina of Austria, under the direction of Ferdinando Fuga, the great hall was rebuilt and the court theater added. During the second half of the 18th century, a 'new wing' was added, which in 1927 became the Vittorio Emanuele III National Library. By the 18th century, the royal residence was moved to Reggia of Caserta, as that inland town was more defensible from naval assault, as well as more distant from the often-rebellious populace of Naples.

During the Napoleonic occupation the palace was enriched by Joachim Murat and his wife, Caroline Bonaparte, with Neoclassic decorations and furnishings. However, a fire in 1837 damaged many rooms, and required restoration from 1838 to 1858 under the direction of Gaetano Genovese. Further additions of a Party Wing and a Belvedere were made in this period. At the corner of the palace with San Carlo Theatre, a new facade was created that obscured the viceroyal palace of Pedro de Toledo.

In 1922, it was decided to transfer here the contents of the National Library. The transfer of library collections was made by 1925.

The library suffered from bombing during World War II and the subsequent military occupation of the building caused serious damage. Today, the palace and adjacent grounds house the famous Teatro San Carlo, the smaller Teatrino di Corte (recently restored), the Biblioteca Nazionale Vittorio Emanuele III, a museum, and offices, including those of the regional tourist board.

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