The
great heraldic doorway is the finest part of Huntly Castle. This rises to 33ft, and
contains the arms of the 1st Marquis of Huntly and his wife; the arms of the
monarch, James VI and a device showing the five wounds of Christ and the glory of Christ
risen. Over this is a figure of St Michael. Executed in red sandstone, the
‘frontispiece’ has been described as the ‘most splendid heraldic doorway in
the British Isles’
Huntly Castle itself is just
as interesting, for here can be seen three stages in castle development (the 4th
stage, Huntly Castle Lodge, is now a hotel) on the same site. The motte stands to one
side. The foundations of the 15th century L-planned castle lay within the
courtyard, and the 16th century range forms the greatest remnant.
The lower part of the palace
range has vaulted cellars and a dungeon with ‘prisoners’. Over this are vaulted
kitchen rooms, with the great chamber and hall above. The round tower contains the inner
chamber with latrine, peephole and a bed recess. The upper hall and great chamber have
impressive heraldic fireplaces.
The south front of Huntly has
a unique suite of oriel windows with an inscribed frieze on the upper storey, which is
almost as fine mason work as the doorway. This is inscribed GEORGE GORDOVN FIRST MARQVIS
OF HVNTLIE 16 HENRIETTE STEVART MARQVESSE OF HVNTLIE 02. The bailey contains ruins of the
kitchen, stable, bakery and brew house.
Huntly was granted to
Sir Adam Gordon of Huntly in Berwickshire in the 14th century, after which
place the castle was renamed, previously being called Strathbogie. It remained in the
hands of the Gordons thereafter, who were created Earls, then Marquises, of Huntly. The
Duke of Richmond and Gordon passed it into care in 1923. |
