Castle Fraser
Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland and one of the grandest 'Castles of Mar'. It is located near Inverurie in the Aberdeenshire region of Scotland.
Originally known as Muchall-in-Mar, construction of the elaborate, five-storey Z-plan castle was begun in 1575 by the 6th Laird of Fraser, Michael Fraser and was completed in 1636. A panel on the northern side of the castle is signed "I Bel", believed to be the mark of the master mason during much of the construction; however, the castle is actually a joint creation with another famous master mason of this period, Leiper.
Castle Fraser is contemporary with other famous nearby castles: Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle and Muchalls Castle. Muchalls Castle was built over a 13th century stronghold of Clan Fraser, and its 17th century reconstruction was conducted by master mason Leiper.
Legend has it that a young princess was once staying at the castle when she was brutually murdered while asleep in the 'Green Room'. Her body was dragged down the stone stairs, leaving a trail of blood stains. As hard as they tried, the occupants of the castle could not scrub out the stains, and so were forced to cover the steps in wood panelling, which remains today. It is said she still stalks the halls of the castle during the night. Numerous sightings were reported by former Property Manager, Eric Wilkinson, and piano music was said to be frequently heard in the empty castle by its former owner, Lavinia Smiley.
The castle stands in over 300 acres (1.2 km²) of open woodland and farmland, including a walled garden and two forest trails. There is archaeological evidence of an older square tower beneath the current construction.
Castle Fraser has recently been used as a backdrop for some of the scenes shot in the BAFTA, Golden Globe and Academy Award winning film "The Queen", starring Helen Mirren. Today, the castle is owned by the National Trust for Scotland and is open to tourists during the summer months. It can also be hired for weddings and corporate events.
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External links
References
- Tranter, Nigel, The Fortified House in Scotland
- Smiley, Lavinia, "The Frasers of Castle Fraser"
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