Elphinstone @Gazeteer for Scotland
From Canmore
QUOTE
Archaeology Notes
NT36NE 2 3903 6980.
(NT 3903 6980) Elphinstone Tower (NR)
OS 6" map (1968)
Elphinstone Tower is a 15th century rectangular tower of three main storeys beneath the wall-head, which terminates in a 16th century parapet walk, while the roof is modern. It measures 50 1/2' E-W by 35', with 8' thick walls, and is 57' from ground to parapet. It is unusual for the large number of mural chambers, passages and stairways which honeycomb its walls. Having been long occupied, the tower is not in a good condition, and it is being affected by mining subsidence.
The lands of Elphinstone were held by the family which took their name from the 13th century onwards, and presumably some portion of their fortalice is incorporated in the present tower. In the 15th century the heiress of the main line married Sir Gilbert Johnstone, who completed the building as it now stands.
RCAHMS 1924, visited 1915; N Tranter 1962
Elphinstone Tower has been partially demolished. The N wall, with one doorway intact, remains to a height of 4.0m while the S wall has completely disappeared.
Visited by OS (BS) 22 October 1975.
Elphinstone Tower was damaged by subsidence and finally demolished in 1955.
C McWilliam 1978.
Architecture Notes
NMRS REFERENCE:
15th century. Oblong plan. Numerous mural chambers. Unoccupied - in bad repair.
Demolished 1955.
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References
Adam, W (1812 )
Vitruvius Scoticus: being a collection of plans, elevations, and sections of public buildings, noblemen's and gentlemen's houses in Scotland: principally from the designs of the late William Adam Esq., architect,
Edinburgh, pl.75, 76,
Brodies (1985 )
Elphinstone Tower, Elphinstone, East Lothian: [sale particulars],
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh Architectural Association (1879 )
2, 1878-9, Sketch Book, Edinburgh,
McWilliam, C E (1978 a)
Lothian except Edinburgh,
The Buildings of Scotland series, Harmondsworth, 52, 120,
RCAHMS (1924 )
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland. Eighth report with inventory of monuments and constructions in the county of East Lothian,
Edinburgh, 121-2, No.192,
Tranter, N (1962-70 )
'The fortified house in Scotland',
Edinburgh, Vol.1, 30,
NT36NE 2 3903 6980.
(NT 3903 6980) Elphinstone Tower (NR)
OS 6" map (1968)
Elphinstone Tower is a 15th century rectangular tower of three main storeys beneath the wall-head, which terminates in a 16th century parapet walk, while the roof is modern. It measures 50 1/2' E-W by 35', with 8' thick walls, and is 57' from ground to parapet. It is unusual for the large number of mural chambers, passages and stairways which honeycomb its walls. Having been long occupied, the tower is not in a good condition, and it is being affected by mining subsidence.
The lands of Elphinstone were held by the family which took their name from the 13th century onwards, and presumably some portion of their fortalice is incorporated in the present tower. In the 15th century the heiress of the main line married Sir Gilbert Johnstone, who completed the building as it now stands.
RCAHMS 1924, visited 1915; N Tranter 1962
Elphinstone Tower has been partially demolished. The N wall, with one doorway intact, remains to a height of 4.0m while the S wall has completely disappeared.
Visited by OS (BS) 22 October 1975.
Elphinstone Tower was damaged by subsidence and finally demolished in 1955.
C McWilliam 1978.
Architecture Notes
NMRS REFERENCE:
15th century. Oblong plan. Numerous mural chambers. Unoccupied - in bad repair.
Demolished 1955.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
References
Adam, W (1812 )
Vitruvius Scoticus: being a collection of plans, elevations, and sections of public buildings, noblemen's and gentlemen's houses in Scotland: principally from the designs of the late William Adam Esq., architect,
Edinburgh, pl.75, 76,
Brodies (1985 )
Elphinstone Tower, Elphinstone, East Lothian: [sale particulars],
Edinburgh,
Edinburgh Architectural Association (1879 )
2, 1878-9, Sketch Book, Edinburgh,
McWilliam, C E (1978 a)
Lothian except Edinburgh,
The Buildings of Scotland series, Harmondsworth, 52, 120,
RCAHMS (1924 )
The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland. Eighth report with inventory of monuments and constructions in the county of East Lothian,
Edinburgh, 121-2, No.192,
Tranter, N (1962-70 )
'The fortified house in Scotland',
Edinburgh, Vol.1, 30,