Brechin Castle stands proud on a massive
bluff of rocks above the River Southesk on the site of
a much older fortress belonging to the Scottish kings.
The present house was last reconstructed in the early1700's
and incorporates parts of the original Castle dating back
to the 13th century. The building has evolved from a defensive
role to its present great house style.
Brechin Castle is steeped
in history. In 1296 Edward I received the submission
of John Baliol there and in 1303 Sir Thomas Maule defended
the castle against the English for three weeks until
his own death brought about its surrender. In 1643 Patrick
Maule, 1st Earl of Panmure, bought the whole of the
Brechin Property from the Earl of Mar. The Castle was
at that time a simple L shaped house of three storeys.
It was the 4th Earl of Panmure, married to Margaret
daughter of the 3rd Duke of Hamilton, who eventually
rebuilt the Castle as it is today.
Lord Dalhousie represents two families who have for many centuries been illustrious in the history of our country, the Maules of Panmure in Angus and the Ramsays of Dalhousie in Midlothian, both families of Norman origin who came to England about the time of the Conqueror, and subsequently obtained grants of land in Scotland.
It was soon after the Abbey of Aberbrothock (Arbroath) was founded by King William the Lion in 1178, that the Maules were established in Panmure and Barry through the marriage of Christian, heiress of Panmure, with Sir Peter Maule.
Next Page
![[Dalhousie Estates montage photograph]](index-main.jpg)
![[Dalhousie Estates bottom watermark]](staticbottom.gif)
