Brodie Castle
• Inverness-shire •
Brodie castle sits about 3.5 miles west of Forres, in Moray, Scotland.
The original Brodie Castle was built in 1567 by Clan Brodie, but was then destroyed by fire in 1645 by Lewis Gordon of Clan Gordon, who was the 3rd Marquis of Huntly. It was originally built to a Z-plan design and it is believed that King Malcolm IV gave the land upon which it sits to the family in 1160.
In 1824, architect William Burn was commissioned to convert Brodie Castle into a large mansion house in the Scots Baronial style, but the remodelling was never completed and the castle was later redesigned again by James Wylson in 1845.
The Brodie family called the castle home until the early 21st century. Ninian Brodie was the castle's last resident member of the family, and he died in 2003.
The Jacobite Uprising of 1715
During the Jacobite rising of 1715, James Brodie of Brodie, who was the 18th chief, refused to surrender his horse and arms to Lord Huntley. Lord Huntley at this time was George Gordon, Grandson of Lewis Gordon mentioned above and heir to Duke of Gordon.
Lord Huntley threatened the "highest threats of military execution, as that of battering down his house, razing his tenants, burning their corns, and killing their persons." if Brodie did not comply. But Clan Brodie continued to resist, holding out in Brodie Castle.
As Lord Huntley was unable to secure enough cannon and gunpowder to proceed with an assault, he was forced to abandon his threats.
The Jacobite Rising of 1745
During the Jacobite rising of 1745, the Brodie chief was Alexander Brodie, 19th chief of Brodie, and the Lord Lyon King of Arms. He was firmly on the side of the government (Hanoverian) forces. Although Brodie did not take an active part in the Battle of Culloden, family history tells of government troops being camped in the wood behind the castle, in an area known today as the ’45 Wood.
Visiting Brodie Castle
These days, Brodie Castle and its stunning grounds have become a popular tourist attraction. There are acres of gentle Moray countryside surrounding the rose-coloured Brodie Castle.
The castle has changed so many times throughout the years, and it’s current layout reflects that. The impenetrable 16th-century guard chamber is flanked on one side by a cosy 17th-century wing and on the other by a sprawling Victorian extension.
The castle houses a magnificent collection of furniture, ceramics and artwork, including works by 17th-century Dutch masters and 20th-century Scottish Colourists. It also boasts an impressive library containing over 6,000 volumes.
The Playful Garden at Brodie Castle is full of excitement for all the family. Located near to the castle, it explores the Brodie family history in a novel and fun-filled way.
Pricing & Opening Times
Getting There
Location
Brodie Castle
Forres
Moray
IV36 2TE
What3Words reference
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