Lennoxlove was
named after the Duchess of Lennox – the model for Britannia on pre-decimal coins.
Previously known as Lethington Castle, it was the seat of the Maitlands. The 15th
century tower has a double storey cap house and corbelled parapet. The 1670s east wing was
remodelled in the early 19th century. Lennoxlove passed to Lord Blantyre in the
18th century, and in 1900 to Sir David Baird. His son, William, employed Robert
Lorimer to restore the building. The Duke of Hamilton bought the castle in 1946.
Guided tours commence in the
front hall, ascending the main stair to the China Room. A bedroom contains a unique
four-poster gifted by Princess Pauline, sister of Napoleon. The Stewart room has portraits
of the monarchs; the Damask room a table gifted by Charles II. The Yellow Sitting Room and
Blue Room are, like the rest of the castle, adorned with portraits. The old tower contains
relics of Mary, Queen of Scots, including her death mask, ring and casket. A side room
contains bagpipes, swords and pipes. The 37ft deep well is passed on the way to the
vaulted great hall, which is a magnificent room with Flemish tapestries and large
fireplace. The Bairds added the latter. The spiral stair descends to the lower vault, now
converted to a chapel. Here also is the original yett and dungeon. A passage with funeral
lozenges leads to the 10th century room, which contains mementoes of the Dukes
of Hamilton, the Nazi Rudolph Hess, the first flight over Everest, and a collection of
early 20th century motorbikes. |
