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Lennoxlove
One of Scotland's most storied historic houses, owned by Frances Stuart, long-time love of Charles II. |
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 Lennoxlove |
The walls of the tower, with its well-preserved barrel vaulted ceiling, are ten feet thick. Carved above the main entrance to the tower are the Latin words, "who of the race of Maitland laid the foundations, who raised the Tower, envious antiquity has concealed."
The original owners of the estate were the Gifford family, but it passed to the Maitlands in 1345. Today the warm pink sand-coloured stone additions, beginning with those of the 17th century, speak of its conversion into a comfortable family home.
The estate became well known when members of the family made their name in the political arena. During the 16th century Sir Richard Maitland, a poet, collector of Scottish ballads, and a judge had two sons destined to become famous. John (1545-1595) became Lord Chancellor of Scotland and was given the title Lord Thirlstane. William (1525-1573) was appointed Secretary of State by Mary, Queen of Scots when she returned from France in 1561. He married Mary Fleming, one of Queen Mary's attendants and ended his life in a Leith prison before the defeat of the Queen.
The Earl of Lauderdale, another John Maitland, enlarged and embellished the house in 1626. His son, John, became one of the most powerful figures in Scotland, virtually a dictator at one time. After the Restoration he served in London as Secretary of State and Privy Councillor. He restored the house and built the 17th century addition and enclosed the park, separated from the house by a low yew hedge.
It was in 1703 that Frances Stuart bought Lethington. Wishing her name to have some kind of immortality, she changed the name of the estate to Lennoxlove in honor of her title, Duchess of Lennox. Frances never visited the house and, on her death, it passed to her cousin, Walter Stuart.
 Frances Stuart |
The estate was sold to the Duke of Hamilton whose family occupies it to this day. The house, as it stands today, includes 19th and early 20th century additions and alterations.
Lennoxlove is filled with fine furniture and portraits by Van Dyck, Raeburn, Lely, Canletto and others. One of the most interesting collections of china and porcelain in Scotland is found here. A famous silver casket belonging to Mary, Queen of Scots, and her death mask are on show. Holding a place of prominence is a portrait of "La Belle Stuart", the famous beauty of Charles II's Court. Today, just as Frances wished, Lennoxlove stands in tribute to her memory.
©2000
Barbara Ballard. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part,
including images, and reproduction in electronic media, without
documented permission from the author is prohibited. Images courtesy
of Lennoxlove.
Our
Scotland Editor is Barbara
Ballard
Contact her here.
Photos in the Scotland Guide are copyright Barbara Ballard and the
National Trust for Scotland.
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