Inchdrewer Castle

Banff, United Kingdom

Inchdrewer Castle is a 16th-century tower house in the parish of Banff. Originally owned by the Currour family, it was purchased by the Ogilvies of Dunlugas in 1557 and became their main family seat. The Ogilvies were staunch Royalists, which resulted in the castle coming under attack from the Covenanters in 1640. 

George Ogilvy, 3rd Lord Banff was murdered in 1713 and his body hidden inside the castle, which was then set on fire. The castle came under siege again in 1746, during the Jacobite rebellion. At the start of the 19th century, following the death of the 8th Lord Banff, the property was inherited by the Abercromby of Birkenbog family, who leased it to a tenant. It became uninhabited after 1836 and the structure deteriorated.

Over the following century the neglect continued until some basic external renovation work was undertaken between 1965 and 1971, making the structure wind and water tight, although it remained unoccupied. The castle was again abandoned and left unmaintained. The condition of the building further declined, becoming derelict. It was in a ruinous state when marketed for sale in April 2013 after the death of Count Robin Mirrlees, who had owned it for about fifty years. At the end of that year it was purchased by the former model Olga Roh, who said she intended to restore it. Modern day reports suggest that the spirit of the 3rd Lord Banff and that of a white dog haunt the castle.

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Address

Banff, United Kingdom
See all sites in Banff

Details

Founded: 16th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Carley Brock (51 days ago)
It was a great walk to a beautiful castle! Although it does look like someone has been working on it, so please be mindful and respectful! It’s a lovely walk and a very nice castle!
HistoryNeedsYou (6 months ago)
Marooned by the tides of time and cast adrift in farmland, Inchdrewer stands alone. A decent sized tower but the outworks are ruins. The castle is accessed by a very wet track so bring wellies for your visit. Wheelchair access would be challenging
Eddy Stuifzand (7 months ago)
Nice ruin in the middle of the fields of Banff. I drove there after work and it was a small walk through the field to get to the ruin. I had beautiful weather to get there. With rain it can be a different path to walk I reckon.
Igor Smy (3 years ago)
Partially Ruined. It's not tourist Spot. Long walk from road. If you interested in history yes, if you want to have a nice walk for fun, better to choose any other castles around Aberdeenshire.
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Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.