Ochiltree Place (7)
Curiously, for such an impressive house, and one so close to the seat of government, not a lot is known about its history. Even the origin of its name is something of a mystery. The date of construction is not known and ranges from "late 16th century" to "early 17th century." We know from the date above the entrance that it had been built by 1610, and for reasons I will go into, a late 16th century date is very likely (contrary to what Canmore states).
Prior to the construction of the house, the estate was owned, between 1526 and his execution in 1540, by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, the illegitimate son of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran. The Hamiltons owned extensive lands around here at that time, centred on Kinneil House. Finnart obtained Ochiltree following the forfeiture of Stirling of Keir - a consequence of taking Margaret Tudor's side in the contest for possession (control) of her son her son - King James V.
Finnart's nephew, James Hamilton became 3rd Earl of Arran on the death of his father, who died in 1575, however, because of insanity he was kept confined in the care of his brother. (His mother, Margaret Douglas, and aunts Elizabeth Douglas (the wife of Regent Morton) and Janet or Beatrix Douglas wife of Lord Maxwell, his sister Anne (mother of the Earl of Huntly), and youngest brother David were all also affected by mental ill-health.)
The 3rd earl lived a secluded life and stayed out of trouble until 1581, when owing to his family's support of Mary Queen of Scots, the former Regent Morton seized Hamilton and Craignethan and his estates were taken over by the government and the earldom put under attainder.
In 1581 Capt. James Stewart of Ochiltree (James VI's notorious favourite) was created 4th Earl of Arran and Chancellor of Scotland. He then acquired, by very dubious means, most of the Hamilton property. Whether he obtained Ochiltree as well, is not known, but it seems probable that he did and that he or more probably a member of his family built the castle.
Ochiltree Place (7)
Curiously, for such an impressive house, and one so close to the seat of government, not a lot is known about its history. Even the origin of its name is something of a mystery. The date of construction is not known and ranges from "late 16th century" to "early 17th century." We know from the date above the entrance that it had been built by 1610, and for reasons I will go into, a late 16th century date is very likely (contrary to what Canmore states).
Prior to the construction of the house, the estate was owned, between 1526 and his execution in 1540, by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, the illegitimate son of James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran. The Hamiltons owned extensive lands around here at that time, centred on Kinneil House. Finnart obtained Ochiltree following the forfeiture of Stirling of Keir - a consequence of taking Margaret Tudor's side in the contest for possession (control) of her son her son - King James V.
Finnart's nephew, James Hamilton became 3rd Earl of Arran on the death of his father, who died in 1575, however, because of insanity he was kept confined in the care of his brother. (His mother, Margaret Douglas, and aunts Elizabeth Douglas (the wife of Regent Morton) and Janet or Beatrix Douglas wife of Lord Maxwell, his sister Anne (mother of the Earl of Huntly), and youngest brother David were all also affected by mental ill-health.)
The 3rd earl lived a secluded life and stayed out of trouble until 1581, when owing to his family's support of Mary Queen of Scots, the former Regent Morton seized Hamilton and Craignethan and his estates were taken over by the government and the earldom put under attainder.
In 1581 Capt. James Stewart of Ochiltree (James VI's notorious favourite) was created 4th Earl of Arran and Chancellor of Scotland. He then acquired, by very dubious means, most of the Hamilton property. Whether he obtained Ochiltree as well, is not known, but it seems probable that he did and that he or more probably a member of his family built the castle.