Photo: Lennoxlove by Kevin Rae, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
The tower at the core of Lennoxlove House dates from the 15th century, when the building was known as Lethington Castle.
It stands in woodland half a mile south of Haddington in East Lothian and is the seat of the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon.
Inside are the Hamilton family collections of pictures, furniture and porcelain, alongside a death mask and a silver casket linked to Mary Queen of Scots.
Historic Houses members can visit free of charge, though tours must be booked in advance.
History
The original tower, Lethington Castle, was built in the 15th century and later passed through several hands before extensive remodelling in the 17th century made it a more comfortable residence. Further additions followed in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the house eventually became the property of the Dukes of Hamilton, whose title it now bears as their seat. It is protected as a category A listed building.
Architecture
The building began as a pele tower with defensive, rugged interiors, later softened by 17th-century extensions that added domestic comfort without erasing the original keep.
Worth knowing
The house holds a death mask and a silver casket associated with Mary Queen of Scots, relics tied to one of the most contested episodes in Scottish royal history.
Gardens & grounds
The wooded estate is included on the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, and its parkland is open to the public year round.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Drem Rail Station (4.6 miles)
Nearby properties
Historic places nearby
Within 5 miles of Lennoxlove there are 6 historic properties, including 2 historic houses, across Historic Environment Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Lennoxlove there are 16 historic properties, including 5 historic houses, 3 churchs and 3 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Lennoxlove there are 40 historic properties, including 9 historic houses, 8 castles and 7 historic buildings, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Facts
A 15th-century pele tower turned ducal seat, still holding Mary Queen of Scots' death mask and casket.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Scotland
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