Fetternear Palace, Medieval bishops' residence ruins in Chapel of Garioch, Scotland
Fetternear Palace are the ruins of a former bishops' residence in Aberdeenshire, including a three-story tower house with a round southwest tower and vaulted ground floor from the late 16th century. The archaeological site lies near Kemnay and shows remains of a surrounding moat and oak palisade structures.
The palace was founded in 1226 under Bishop Ramsay of Aberdeen and served as an episcopal residence for centuries. After passing to the Leslie family around 1550, the building underwent several renovation phases and expansions.
The place displays architectural features from different periods, including round corner towers and a symmetrical mansion built in the 1690s. These building elements tell the story of the various residents and renovations that shaped the structure over time.
The site is best explored on foot as the ruins are open to view and allow good understanding of their structure. There is a path nearby that lets visitors see the complex from different angles.
The grounds once had a garden sundial created by James Villers in 1798, which preserves elements linked to the original palace. This sundial stands as a reminder of the site's long history and the people who lived here.
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