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Gelston Castle

 

 

 

 

 

A ruined Adam-style country house in Kirkcudbrightshire, Gelston Castle lies amongst woodland 2 miles (3 km) south of Castle Douglas. It takes the form of a toy fort and was constructed in red sandstone c.1805 for Sir William Douglas (1745-1809), founder of Castle Douglas. It's been abandoned since the fifties. The nearby stable block has been converted into housing. 

 

Ownership passed to his neice, Mathilda, daughter of James of Orchardton.  James Douglas of Orchardton had amassed an estate of 6444 acres in Galloway by the time of his death.  This was divided between his three daughters. It is said that this was so acrimonious that the sisters counted each individual tree to ensure that they got equal shares. There were additional lands in Gretna Green and in Wales, at Aberdare in Glamorgan.

 

Matilda died, aged 100, in 1887.  In 1871, she appears to be living with her widowed sister, Sarah Maxwell at Orchardton, which she had inherited. However, in the 1881 census, she is listed as being at Gelston with three of her granchildren, Carles, Eva and Gerald Kirwan.  There were also 6 servants.

 

The ancient owners of Gelston were probably monks of Iona.  King William, 'The Lion of Scotland', granted gelston to the monks of Holyrood, sometime between 1165 and 1214.

 

In the Ragman roll of 1296, John of Geneleston (John de Gevelston) was recorded as owner.  By 1472, Donald Maclellan of Gelston was owner.  A succession of owners followed, including the Maxwell family.  William Douglas acquired the lands in 1799.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See also:

• Gelston Castle, New York

 

 

 

Any contributions will be gratefully accepted

 

 

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