History of Auchen Castle, Dumfries-shire, Scotland
Historians
tell us that the original Scottish Castle dates back
to 1220 and was probably built by Sir Humphrey de
Kirkpatrick when he was Senestal of Annandale. Back
then, the Castle was in the form of a courtyard with
unusual solid drum towers flanking the gate and the
corner towers. Sometime in the early 1300's the towers
were rebuilt as hollow turrets with internal stairs.
As the centuries passed, massive outer ramparts and curious underground passages and chambers were added to the Castle and led to much puzzlement when discovered by historians. A wooden chalet with eight chimneys was also built and used to entertain guests after shoots.
The
original Castle is now in ruins next to what was the
home farm for the next Auchen Castle built by General
Johnstone in 1849. Through marriage, Auchen Castle
became the property of Sir William Younger.
When you walk though the castle grounds you will find many unusual species of trees and plants, some of which would have a rich history to tell if they only could.
Auchen Castle Hotel has played host to some famous
people over the years; The King of Norway, The Beatles,
Barbara Cartland, Chris de Burgh, to name but a few.