Sorn Castle, Ayrshire One Place Study

This profile is part of the Sorn Castle, Ayrshire One Place Study.

• Wikidata: Item Q7563594, en:Wikipedia
• WikiTree Profiles that link here

Name

Sorn Castle, East Ayrshire, Scotland

Geography

Continent: Europe

Sovereign State: United Kingdom

Country: Scotland

County: Ayrshire

GPS Coordinates: 55.514289, -4.301046

Overview

^{[1][2][3][4][5][6]}

While this castle resembles more of a country manor house than a castle, it is steeped in 700 years of building and modification through its many owners and occupants.

The obvious place to start is at the castle gatehouse which is located at the junction of B743 and B7037 roadways near the village of Sorn. This multi-level structure was designed by Scottish architect David Bryce in 1865 and features the same pink sandstone as the castle itself along with a very distinctive archway entrance.

Once one passes through the arch, the driveway rises in elevation and winds up to the Porte-Cochere and the main entrance to the castle itself.

The estate stands on almost 8,000 acres (3,237.49 hectares) of woodland Policies.

Definitions

Some words within this OPS may not be known to the reader, and the following are some definitions of those words as a clarification.

Battlements - a Parapet at the top of a wall

Charter - A quit-claim deed conveying property to someone else

Keep - A residential tower house

Overawe - To impress someone

Policies - Woodlands or forest area

Porte-Cochere - Covered entrance

Family Historical Timeline

^{[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]}

Keith Family

1300's - It is believed that William Keith of Galston (abt.1297-abt.1336) was the first to occupy the lands of the current castle. He likely would have built some sort of structure for he and his family which may or may not have been the original tower house sitting above the River Ayr.

William died around the age of 39-40.

1335 - William Keith of Galston and spouse Janet More (1300-XXXX) had a daughter Jonetta (Janet) Keith (1335-1421).

1369 - Jonetta (Janet) married Scottish Nobleman David Hamilton (de Hamyltoune) (1334-1392) the 3rd of Cadzow in Ayrshire. Jonetta (Janet) likely inherited Sorn estate upon the death of her parents. It's also possible that David and Jonetta (Janet) built the original keep (more research is needed to confirm).

Hamilton Family

1406 - Following the death of her first husband, the now remarried, Jonetta (Janet) executed a charter on December 11,1406 that granted her estate and associated lands of Sorn to her son Andrew Hamilton (de Hamyltoune) (1364 - aft.1406) (later 1st of Udston).

Fast Forward 150 years through the Hamilton and Seton family connection

"Andrew Hamilton married Agnes Campbell , a daughter of Sir Hugh Campbell of Loudoun, Sheriff of Ayr, and by her had a son, Sir Robert Hamilton of Sorn and Sanquhar. Sir Robert married a daughter of Sir William Crawford of Lorhnorris; and Sir William Hamilton of Sorn and Sanquhar, a son of this marriage, was one of the Senators of the College of Justice and Lord Treasurer to King James V. This Lord Treasurer married a daughter of the family of Cassilis, by whom he had an heiress, Isobel Hamilton".

Note: About 1550, one Isabel Hamilton (abt.1529-1604) married George Seton (1531-1586) 5th Lord Seton

Seton Family

Note: George and Isabel had a son, Robert Seton (abt.1552-1603) the 6th Lord Seton (later 1st Earl of Winton who married Margaret Montgomerie (1565-1624) (later Countess of Winton).

c.1570 - By this time frame, Robert Seton (1553-1603) likely had possession of the original Keith / Hamilton estate.

Note: Robert and Margaret had two sons, Robert Seton (c.1583-1634) later 2nd Earl of Winton, and George Seton (1584-1650) later 3rd Earl of Winton, plus another 3 sons and one daughter.

1600 - Robert Seton (abt.1552-1603) the 6th Lord Seton was created the 1st Earl of Winton by King of Scotland James VI on November 16th of this year.

1603 - Son Robert Seton (c.1583-1634) 2nd Earl of Winton likely inherited the estate from his father Robert Seton (1553-1603), and added a dining room to the original Keep.

1607 - Son Robert became a mentally unbalanced person and was forced to relinquish his control of the family estates (including Sorn) to his younger brother George.

1608 - King James VI (1566-1625) (King of Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I) visited the castle for the wedding of Robert and Margaret's only daughter, Isobel Seton (1593-1638) to James Drummond (c.1580-1611) the 1st Earl of Perth. Isobel then became the Countess of Perth.

1620 - Being in control of the Sorn estate, George Seton (1584-1650) 3rd Earl of Winton decided to sell it to Sir John Campbell of Lawers (1598-1663) 1st Earl of Loudoun.

Campbell Family

1620 - Sir John Campbell of Lawers (1598-1663) 1st Earl of Loudoun buys the estate.

1663 - James Campbell (1620-1684) 2nd Earl of Loudoun likely inherited the estate upon the death of his father Sir John Campbell of Lawers (1598-1663) 1st Earl of Loudoun.

1665 - Charles II (1630-1685) took over and garrisoned the castle with a troop of Dragoons to overawe the Covenanters (Presbyterians) in the district.

1684 - Hugh Campbell (bef.1674-1731) 3rd Earl of Loudoun likely inherited the estate upon the death of his father James Campbell (1620-1684) 2nd Earl of Loudoun.

1700 - Hugh Campbell (bef.1674-1731) 3rd Earl of Loudoun married Margaret Dalrymple (1684-1779) (aka Dowager Countess Campbell) who took on the task of planting of many trees around the estate and creating pathways, gardens, and orchards that exist on the estate today.

1777 - James Boswell, the diarist visited and was entertained by the Dowager Countess of Loudoun (Margaret Dalrymple (1684-1779).

1779 - John Campbell (bef.1705-1782) 4th Earl of Loudoun inherited the estate upon the death of his widowed mother Margaret Campbell (1684-1779) (aka Dowager Countess).

Tennent Family

1782 - Upon the death of John Campbell (bef.1705-1782) 4th Earl of Loudoun, the estate was sold to William Tennent of Poole (data not available) who made substantial improvements and additions to the castle by adding an inner hall and stately staircases, as well as a drawing room.

Note: This might suggest that it was William Tennent that created the multi-level structure that is seen today.' (More research is needed to confirm this fact)

Graham Family

???? - Alexander Graham of Limekilns (1763-1820) bought the Sorn estate.

Stevenson Family

???? - John Stevenson of Dalgain (XXXX-XXXX) bought the Sorn estate.

Somervell Family

1797 - James Somervell of Hamilton Farms (1740-1809), a successful Glasgow merchant, purchased the Sorn estate in this year. He died unexpectedly 7 years later likely leaving the estate to his (unnamed) wife. It is believed that James and his (unnamed) wife (XXXX-1830) had three children, William (XXXX-1818), Agnes (XXXX-XXXX), and Unnamed (XXXX-XXXX).

Note: This is where the story takes a twist because the successful Glasgow firm of James Somervell (b.1740) at one time had numerous partners, and one was named David Russell. Through some unknown connection (perhaps an affair with the wife of James Somervell (b.1740), a family developed with the last name Russell which produced one offspring named James Russell (1784-1835) (later Col. James Russell), who assumed the name Somervell in lieu of Russell (he likely was ashamed of his illegitimate status).

Note: So even within the dynamics of this mysterious family connection, the Somervell name carried on.

1808 - The Colonel married Mary Stirling (1786-1820) in 1808 and had numerous children, one named Graham Russell (1819-1881) who would later assume the name Somervell as well.

Note: There is no reference available to state that Graham's father Colonel James Russell (Somervell) was ever in possession of the castle.

1818 - William Somervell (XXXX-1818), son of James Somervell (b.1740) died. With her (unnamed) mother still living, Williams sister Agnes took it upon herself to improve the estate Policies by creating a 'plantation' of such. All this in hopes of inheriting the estate when her mother passes.....But wait, there's more.....

1830 - Instead of Agnes, Graham Russell (Somervell) (1819-1881) inherited Sorn Castle and estate upon the death of his (unnamed) grandmother (XXXX-1830) (the wife of James Somervell (1740-1809). (Why Graham ? Was it because of her possible affair with David Russell) which may have produced Graham's father, the Col. James Russell?????

Note: The above is all speculation, of course!

1837 - A Victorian suspension bridge was built nearby over the River Ayr.

Also in this year, a group of workers uncovered a hoard of silver and gold coins which dated back to the 1300's during the reign of Scottish King Robert III (1337-1406). Is is likely that the Covenanters buried the coins for safety from the opposition. The coins were turned over to the laird of Sorn Castle, Graham Somervell (b. 1819) which then went to the government anyway.

1844 - Graham Russell (Somervell) (1819-1881) married Henrietta Jane Stirling (1824-1912) and had seven children: James (b.1846), Elizabeth (b.1847), William Somervell Russell (b.1850), Agnes Mary Russell (b.1852), Graham Charles Russell (b.1854), Henry David Russell (b.1856), and Louis Somervell (b.1858).

According to the 1865, 1874, and 1881 Scottish Valuation Rolls, and 1861, 1871, and 1881 Scottish Census, Graham and his family were residents of the castle during these times.

1864 - Scottish architect William Railton (1820-1902) of Kilmarnock was asked to provide plans for additions and remodeling. These plans were rejected.

1865 - Scottish architect David Bryce (1803-1876) of Edinburgh was asked to provide plans for additions and remodeling which were accepted by Graham Russell (Somervell) (b.1819).

Work by Bryce included a stable courtyard, arched gatehouse at the top and bottom of the drive, new kitchens, music room. To make the castle more impressive for the outside visitor, Bryce also redesigned the battlements.

1881 - James Russell (Somervell) (1846-1924), son of Graham Russell (Somervell) (b.1819) inherited the castle and estate upon his fathers death. Like his father and grandfather, he referred to himself as a Somervell and not a Russell.

According to the Scottish 1885 and 1901 Valuation Rolls, and the 1891 and 1901 Scottish Census, James and his family were residents of the castle during these times.

1892 - James Russell (Somervell) (b.1846) married Kathleen Emile Maclaine (1870-1947) at St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.

After James had an affair with another woman, Kathleen filed for divorce in 1919.

1907 - James Russell (Somervell) (b.1846) sold the castle and estate to Thomas Walker McIntyre (1860-1920).

McIntyre Family

1908 - From his success in shipping, Thomas Walker McIntyre (1860-1920) a resident of Kirkmichael House in Maybole, Ayrshire at the time became wealthy enough to buy the (then) 5,264 acre Sorn Castle estate for the sum of 72,500 British Pounds which started a legacy of the family McIntyre that still lives on today.

1908 - Scottish architect Henry (Harry) Edward Clifford (1909-1923) of the firm Clifford and Lunan of Glasgow was hired by Thomas W. McIntyre shortly after the purchase of Sorn and set about extensively remodeling the frontal structure of the castle when he quarried a large amount of earth to raise the driveway and level the banks with the surrounding park whereby the original ground floor of the castle became the new basement that enabled McIntyre to build his Edwardian porte-cochere adjacent to the new ground floor, which would allow a horse and carriage to pass and protect the residents and guests from inclement weather.

1920 - Lieutenant James Gordon McIntyre (1896-1983), war hero, lawyer, and judge inherited the castle and estate upon the death of his father Thomas W. McIntyre.

1923 - James Gordon McIntyre (1896-1983) married Madeline Scott Moncrieff (XXXX-XXXX) and had two children, Robert Gordon McIntyre (1931-1988) and Olivia McIntyre (XXXX-XXXX).

1930 - James was appointed a Justice of the Peace.

1936 - James was appointed a member of the King's Council.

1939 -1944 - James continued to excel and became Dean of the Faculty of Advocates.

1943 - "The castle and grounds also played host to the Pecial Air Service (SAS) who were billeted here during World War II, and much of their part in the fight for the bridge at Arnhem was planned while they were in residence at the castle. This was the action which was subsequently immortalised in the film A Bridge Too Far."

1944 - James became Senator of the College of Justice, and became Lord Sorn.

1963 - James retired from the courts.

1983 - James Gordon McIntyre died of natural causes.

1983 - Son Robert Gordon McIntyre (1931-1988) (aka Bobby) inherited the castle and estate upon the death of his father James Gordon McIntyre (b.1896).

1988 - Bobby died suddenly. His wife Rachael Anne Watherston McIntyre (1947-2018) remained at the castle until 2007.

2007 - Rachael married Charles May and moved to Northumberland, England and Sorn Castle and estate was passed onto Bobby and Rachael’s eldest son, James Alasdair McIntyre (b.1970) (aka Jamie).

James and his wife Jemma Katharine Folley (XXXX-XXXX) are the current residents of Sorn Castle and estates.

Jamie shares his father’s interests in classic cars, motor bikes and yachts and enjoys the very competitive classic car racing scene and enduro biking championships in his spare time.

Special Features

^[21]

Covenanter Flag -

In the entrance hall of Sorn Castle is a very large silk flag hanging on the wall.

This flag was apparently carried by the Covenanter army at Drumclog during a procession to celebrate the coronation of William III following the Glorious Revolution in 1685.

The flag bears the words "For God and the Presbyterian Reformation, for crown and country", the initials W.R. (William, Rex) (ie: King William III (1650-1702) (r. 1689-1702) , a royal crown, and the date 1689."

The lettering is in gold, the crown in blue and gold.

Turbine House

"Built as part of the Edwardian expansion of the castle and, combined with raising a dam to control the water flow, helped the castle supply its own electric power."

Notable People

^{[22][23][24][25]}

David Bryce (1803-1876) FRSE FRIBA RSA, Scottish Architect

Born: Edinburgh, Scotland

Died: Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: New Calton Cemetery, Edinburgh Scotland

Bio Summary: David had a partner (William Burn) but when David he struck out on his own he became a very successful architect and created hundreds of buildings including Sorn Castle.

Parents: William Bryce (XXXX-1834 and Agnew Todd (XXXX--1844)

Siblings: William Bryce (1795-1823), Anne Bryce (1797-XXXX), John Bryce (1805-1851)

Spouse: Never Married

Issue: None

Sir John Campbell of Lawers (1598-1663) 1st Earl of Loudoun

Born: Loudoun, Ayrshire, Scotland

Died: Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

Resting Place: Loudoun Kirk, East Ayrshire, Scotland

Bio Summary: Scottish Army hero. Scottish politician and Covenanter.

Parents: James Campbell of Lawers (1569-1645) Knight and Jean Colville (abt.1573-abt.1640)

Siblings: Beatrix Campbell (abt.1585-abt.1650), Mungo Campbell of Lawers (aft.1595-1645), Katherine Campbell [half] (abt.1610-aft.1688)

Spouse: Margaret Unnamed) (XXXX-XXXX)

Issue: James Campbell (bef.1620-1684) 2nd Earl of Loudoun, Margaret Campbell (aft.1620-1665), Jean Campbell ((1623-1703)

Alexander Graham of Limekilns (1763-1820)

Born: East Kilbride, Scotland

Died: Limekilns, Scotland

Resting Place: East Kilbride Old Parish Church Kirkyard, East Kilbride, Scotland

Bio Summary: Bought Sorn Castle and estate at unknown time.

Parents: Patrick Graham of Limekilns (1721-1792) and Margaret Urie (1731-1801)

Siblings: William Graham (1760-1808), Margaret Graham (1766-XXXX), John Graham (1772-1828)

Spouse: Margaret Cochran, his wife, (1770-1838)

Issue: Hugh Graham (1804-1809, Margaret Graham (1796-1811), William Graham (1801-1821, Patrick Barns Graham (1792-1867, Elizabeth Graham (1794-1867, James Graham (1806-1869, Alexander Graham (1799-1875), William Graham (1801-1821), Agnes Graham (1806-1874), Hugh Graham (1804-1809), James Graham (1808-1869)

Jonetta (Janet) Keith (1335-1421)

Born: Galston, Ayrshire, Scotland

Died: Darnley, Renfrewshire, Scotland

Resting Place: Unknown

Bio Summary: Daughter of Sorn founder William Keith.

Parents: William Keith of Galston (abt.1297-abt.1336) and Janet More (1300-XXXX)

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse Number 1: David Hamilton (1334-1392) 3rd of Cadzow, Married before 1370

Issue: Elizabeth Hamilton (abt.1360-XXXX), Andrew Hamilton (abt.1364-aft.1406) Ist of Udston, John Hamilton (abt.1371-abt.1402) 4th of Cadzow, William Hamilton of Bathgate (abt.1373-XXXX), John Hamilton (abt.1375-aft.1400), William Stewart Esq (aft.1381-1429)

Spouse Number 2: Alexander Stewart of Darnley (abt.1342-bef.1404, Married after 1392

Issue: None

Thomas Walker McIntyre (1860-1920) Shipping Owner, Landowner

Born: Anderston, Glasgow, Lanark, Scotland

Died: Sorn Castle

Resting Place: Sorn Parish Churchyard, Sorn, Scotland

Bio Summary: Thomas was born into a shipping company which was started by his grandfather and carried on my Thomas's father, but carried on to become successful in his own right.

1885 - Thomas was founder of Maclay and McIntyre located on the Clyde River in Glasgow.

1886 - Thomas was also a founder of Glasgow United Shipping Company.

1889 - Thomas married Jeanie Paterson Galloway (1861-XXXX).

1907 - Thomas bought Sorn Castle and estates in which he made substantial improvements.

Parents: James McIntyre (1825-XXXX) and Janet Unnamed)(1825-XXXX) Married 1857

Siblings: John McIntyre (1858-XXXX), Margaret McIntyre (1862-XXXX), James McIntyre (1864-XXXX),

Spouse: Jeannie Paterson Galloway

Issue: Jessie Walker Marjorie McIntyre (1891-XXXX), and James Gordon McIntyre (1896-1983), Jean McIntyre (XXXX-XXXX), and Alison McIntyre (XXXX-XXXX). :

Sir Robert Seton (abt.1553-1602) 1st Earl of Winton

Born: Tranent, Haddingtonshire, Scotland

Died: Seton, Haddingtonshire, Scotland

Resting Place: Unknown

Bio Summary: Scottish Peer

Parents: George Seton (1531-1586) 5thLord Seton and Isabel Hamilton (abt.1529-1604)

Siblings: George Seton (aft.1550-abt.1562), Margaret Seton Lady Hamilton (abt.1551-1616), Alexander Seton (abt.1555-abt.1622)1st Earl of Dunfermline, John Seton (abt.1555-bef.159), William Seton (abt.1562-abt.1635)

Spouse: Margaret Montgomerie (1525-1624) Countess of Winton, Married 1582

Issue: Robert Seton (abt.1583-aft.1606), Thomas Seton (aft.1584-XXXX), George Seton abt.1584-bef.1650) 3rd Earl of Winton, Alexander (Seton) Montgomerie (1588-1661) 6th Earl of Eglinton, Isobel Seton (1593-1638), John Seton (abt.1600-XXXX)

James Somervell of Hamilton Farms (1740-1809)

Born: Carstairs, Lanarkshire, , Scotland

Died: Sheaffyknowe, Carstairs, Lanarkshire, , Scotland

Bio Summary: Successful Glasgow merchant

Parents: John Somervell (XXXX-XXXX) and Margaret Meikle (XXXX-XXXX)

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse: Unknown

Issue: William Somervell (XXXX-1818), Christina Somervell (XXXX-XXXX), and Agnes Somervell (XXXX-XXXX).

Ghostly People

^[26]

"In fact, Sorn Castle has been well known for its ghosts for hundreds of years. Green Jean is a beautiful lady's maid from the 18th century who makes periodic appearances, and Ned the nightwatchman keeps guard over the Castle.

Meanwhile Margaret lives on the servant's staircase and over the years there have been many sightings of all three, but the current custodians can assure you that they are mostly friendly."

Historical Venues Nearby

^[27][28]

Village of Sorn - 1/2 mile on A743 Roadway

Burns House Museum - 3.1 miles (Museum) in Mauchline

Mauchline Old Graveyard - 3.1 miles (Historic Church) in Mauchline

Barony A-Frame - 3.4 miles (Museum) in Auchinleck

Dumfries House - 4.1 miles (Historic House) in Cumnock

Highland Mary's Monument - 5.6 miles (Historic Building) in Failford

Sources

1. ↑ Google Maps; https://www.google.com/maps
2. ↑ HES; historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB14273
3. ↑ Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
4. ↑ History of Sorn Castle; https://sorncastle.com/
5. ↑ Crazy about Castles; https://crazyaboutcastles.com
6. ↑ Sorn Castle - East Ayrshire Council; https://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk
7. ↑ Family Search; https://ancestors.familysearch.org
8. ↑ Wikitree; https://www.wikitree.com
9. ↑ History of Sorn Castle; https://sorncastle.com/
10. ↑ Sorn Castle; http://www.1066.co.nz
11. ↑ We Relate; https://www.werelate.org
12. ↑ Scotlands People, Census and Valuation Rolls, https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk
13. ↑ Mr. Alex Gibson, Story of Sorn Castle as reproduced from an article from "Ayrshire Life" magazine, by R Macalpine Ramage Summer 1985, published by Carrick Publishing;http://www.ayrshirehistory.com
14. ↑ Crazy about Castle; https://crazyaboutcastles.com
15. ↑ Dictionary of Scottish Architects; https://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk
16. ↑ Word Press; https://aanhsorg.files.wordpress.com
17. ↑ Ancestery; https://www.ancestry.com
18. ↑ Sorn Castle - Gazette article by Will Hetherington; http://sorncastle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Shooting-Gazette-Sorn-Castle.pdf
19. ↑ Sorn Parish Magazine, December 1908; https://www.ayrshirehistory.com
20. ↑ Sorn Parish History - By Helen Steven 1898 Chapter 6 - Sorn Castle; https://www.ayrshirehistory.com
21. ↑ Britain Express; https://www.britainexpress.com/
22. ↑ Wikitree; https://www.wikitree.com
23. ↑ Dictionary of Scottish Architects; https://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk
24. ↑ History of Sorn Castle; https://sorncastle.com/
25. ↑ Geni; https://www.geni.com
26. ↑ Sorn Castle - Gazette article by Will Hetherington; http://sorncastle.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Shooting-Gazette-Sorn-Castle.pdf
27. ↑ Google; https://www.google.com
28. ↑ Google Maps; https://www.google.com/maps