Esslemont Castle, Medieval tower house in Ellon, Scotland
Esslemont Castle is a medieval tower house in Ellon, Scotland, featuring thick walls between 6 and 7 feet, a staircase turret, and a round tower at the southeast corner. The remains follow an L-shaped layout, with foundations uncovered during 1938 archaeological excavations.
The castle suffered fire damage in 1493, after which John Cheyne obtained royal permission in 1500 to rebuild with extensive fortifications and iron defenses. This reconstruction marked the transformation of the original structure.
The name Esslemont comes from Brittonic language roots similar to Welsh, reflecting ancient Celtic communities that once lived in this region. Walking through the site, visitors can sense the deep linguistic heritage embedded in the landscape.
The castle ruins stand on private land near the A920 road west of Ellon, making access not straightforward. Visitors should seek permission beforehand and be aware of the site's protected archaeological status.
The Gordon Arms heraldic feature remains visible on the exterior walls, dating from 1728 when Robert Gordon acquired the property. This coat of arms tells a story of later ownership and connects the castle to a prominent Scottish family.
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