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Traveller’s Tales

Francis Grose

Cassilis Castle

Period:
18th Century
Description:

Captain Francis Grose was one of the first systematic recorders of architectural and archaeological remains in Britain. His six volume Antiquities of England and Wales published between 1773 and 1787, was followed by Antiquities of Scotland in two volumes published in 1789 and 1791. Robert Burns met him while he was undertaking the latter, and became a friend – writing three pieces about him including On Captain Grose’s Peregrinations through Scotland.

This is a plate from Antiquities of Scotland showing Cassillis House.

 

Grose writes: "Here is a great square tower, whose walls are of an uncommon thickness, with a court of lesser buildings, beautifully situated on a bank above the water of Dun, and surrounded by extensive woods of old timber.  This old tower is ascended by a turnpike staircase; the lower storey is vaulted: the walls, as high as the third storey, are said to be fifteen feet thick.  Here are many family portraits, and diverse other paintings.  This tower has probably undergone many repars; the present appearance of the building does not bespeak the last to be older than the reign of Queen Mary, or James VI. her son.  This house belongs to the Earl of Cassilis."

Source:
The Dick Institute
Digital Number:
EAPR009n
Creation Date:
1789
Copyright:
East Ayrshire Council