In Aberdeenshire, Fyvie Castle is a book of architecture: each great owning family added its tower. Its Renaissance heart is the work of Alexander Seton, Chancellor of Scotland, who gave it in 1599 a spectacular porch-façade and a staircase of state among the finest in the kingdom.
The towers of the families
Born of a Preston tower (1390-1433), the house grew over the centuries, each line setting its tower upon it: Seton, and then later Gordon (1777), Meldrum, Forbes-Leith. This accumulation makes Fyvie a unique silhouette, in which the whole history of the north-east nobility can be read. But the most glorious stratum is that of the Renaissance.
The builder chancellor
Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline and Chancellor of Scotland, a leading statesman under James VI, raised in 1599 the spectacular Seton porch-tower and commissioned soon after a great staircase of state, one of the finest in Scotland. These additions made Fyvie a house worthy of one of the highest figures in the kingdom. The future Charles I lived here as a child for four years. The house holds rich collections (portraits by Raeburn, Batoni, Gainsborough), armour and old weapons.
What to see
- The porch-façade of the Seton tower (1599).
- The great Renaissance turnpike staircase.
- The portraits (Raeburn, Batoni, Gainsborough) and the armour.
Did you know?
The legend of the 'Green Lady' of Fyvie identifies Lilias Drummond, wife of Alexander Seton: her name is said to have been found carved from the outside in the stone of a window sill, the very night of her husband's remarriage — as if the dead woman had wished to sign her return.
Practical information
Fyvie Castle lies near Turriff, in Aberdeenshire; in the care of the National Trust for Scotland. Hours liable to change; check against the official sources.
Quiz
- Who raised the porch-tower of Fyvie in 1599?
- Alexander Seton, Chancellor of Scotland
- James VI
- John Knox
- Which king lived at Fyvie as a child?
- Charles I
- Henry VIII
- James IV
- Who is said to be the 'Green Lady' of Fyvie?
- Lilias Drummond, Seton's wife
- Mary Stuart
- Anne Boleyn