Leith Hall
| Leith Hall | |
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|---|---|
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| Grid reference: | NJ538291 |
| Location: | 57°21’23"N, 2°45’53"W |
| Information | |
| Website: | Leith Hall Garden and Estate |
Leith Hall is a grand house near Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire, which with its garden and estate is owned by the National Trust for Scotland, since 1945.
Leith Hall was built in 1650, on the site of the mediæval Peill Castle, and is set in a 286-acre estate with scenic gardens.[1] The manor was the home of the Leith-Hay family for nearly four centuries.
Extensions were added to Leith Hall in 1738, 1810 and in 1904. In 1745, Andrew Hay of Rannes hid at Leith Hall after the Battle of Culloden where he fought for the Young Pretender, later escaping to France.[2]
During the First World War the house became a temporary Red Cross hospital and housed over 500 patients.[2]
The house contains fine china, family portraits and tapestries and some interesting clocks.
Gardens
The hall is noted for its gardens, set in stages with each sheltered by a wall or hedge and each with its own special character.[3] The gardens contain flowering trees and shrubs, roses, fruit, vegetables and ornamental grasses.[4] A little stream winds its way through the gravel paths and stone crevices and at the top of the garden, near the 18th century curved stables, is the circular "Moon Gate" leading to the old turnpike road, once the main thoroughfare to Aberdeen.[3] There are also two nature trails, each about one and a half to two miles long.[3]
The gardens also contain two ponds and a birdwatching site.[5]
Outside links
- The Friends of Leith Hall Website
- Leith Hall Garden & Estate - National Trust for Scotland
- The Friends of Leith Hall Website
- The Kinnethmont (Kennethmont)Website
References
- ↑ "Leith Hall on". Aboutbritain.com. http://www.aboutbritain.com/liethhallandgarden.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Leith Hall Ghosts". Aboutaberdeen.com. http://www.aboutaberdeen.com/leithhallghosts.php. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Leith Hall & Gardens (Scotland)". Gardens-guide.com. 2010-01-28. http://www.gardens-guide.com/gardenpages/_0201.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ↑ "Leith Hall garden, Kennethmont, Huntly, Aberdeenshire - Gardens". Britainsfinest.co.uk. http://www.britainsfinest.co.uk/gardens/gardens.cfm/searchazref/81001700LEIA. Retrieved 2010-03-15.
- ↑ "Leith Hall & Garden, an Attraction in Huntly, Grampian. Search for Grampian Attractions". Information-britain.co.uk. 2005-10-16. http://www.information-britain.co.uk/showPlace.cfm?Place_ID=1623. Retrieved 2010-03-15.