Mauchline Castle

Mauchline Castle, also known as Abbot Hunter’s Tower, is a breathtakingly beautiful castle located in the town of Mauchline in East Ayrshire, Scotland. The castle has a rich history that dates back to before 1177 and is now a Category A listed building. If you’re interested in Scottish history and architecture, this castle is a must-visit.

Mauchline Castle was originally part of a grange, a farming estate belonging to Melrose Abbey. The monks of Melrose Abbey held lands in Ayrshire before 1177 and the castle was constructed in about 1450. The earliest dating of the castle can be found in the arms of Abbot Andrew Hunter, which are carved into a boss in the vaulting of the first-floor hall. The castle was a significant part of the monastic life in Scotland and played an important role in the religious, economic, and cultural life of the region.

Huw Campbell of Loudoun was appointed Bailie of Barony in 1521 and gained temporal lordship in 1606. During this time, the square-headed windows were added to the castle. In the 18th century, Gavin Hamilton, a lawyer and friend of Robert Burns, lived in the castle as a tenant of Lord Loudoun. Burns is said to have written the parody sermon “The Calf” and to have married Jean Armour in the castle.

The castle is built of red ashlar and measures 10 by 9 meters, with walls that are 5 feet thick. The entrance is located on the south side at ground level and is accompanied by a statue niche and a turnpike stair. The castle has four main storeys and an attic with crowstep gables. The first-floor hall is rib-vaulted in two bays and has stone seats in the windows, while the basement is vaulted with two poorly lit chambers and an unusual double garderobe chute.