Esslemont Castle, Medieval tower house in Ellon, Scotland
The remaining structure of Esslemont Castle presents thick walls measuring between 6 and 7 feet, including a staircase turret and round tower at the southeast corner.
In 1493, the castle experienced fire damage, leading John Cheyne to obtain royal permission in 1500 for rebuilding with extensive fortifications and iron defenses.
The name Esslemont derives from Brittonic language elements similar to Welsh 'iselfynydd', indicating the presence of ancient Celtic settlements in this region of Scotland.
The castle ruins stand on private land near the A920 road west of Ellon, with archaeological excavations from 1938 revealing the foundations of an L-shaped structure.
The Gordon Arms heraldic feature remains visible on the exterior walls, marking the period when Robert Gordon acquired the property in 1728.
Location: Aberdeenshire
Location: Ellon
Inception: 1570
GPS coordinates: 57.35810,-2.11447
Latest update: March 11, 2025 13:04
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