{{Short description|Scottish tower house building}} {{Use British English|date=June 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}} [[File:Fordell Castle, NW.jpg|thumb|Fordell Castle]] [[File:Fordell Castle, North side, and Barmkin Wall.jpg|thumb|Fordell Castle, North side, and Barmkin Wall]]
{{designation list | designation1 = Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland | designation1_offname = Fordell Castle | designation1_date = 30 March 2005 | designation1_number = {{Historic Environment Scotland|num=GDL00182|short=yes}} }}
'''Fordell Castle'''<ref>The name was variously written Fordell, Fordel, Fordale, and Fordal''.''</ref> is a restored 16th-century [[tower house]], located {{convert|1.25|mi|km}} north-west of [[Dalgety Bay]] and {{convert|2|mi|km}} east of [[Dunfermline]], in [[Fife]], [[Scotland]]. Parts of the castle date from before 1566, though most dates from 1580 or later. The chapel was rebuilt in 1650. The interior of the castle was substantially renovated in the 1960s, with additional major renovations to the castle interiors and chapel in the early 2000s. The estate is in private ownership and not available for public tour.
== Architecture == [[File:Fordell Castle.jpg|thumb|Fordell Castle]] The castle is a [[fortified house]] (fortalice) designed on a Z-plan running east–west, with square towers at the north-west and south-east corners, each containing a circular staircase.<ref name=":1">MacGibbon, D. and Ross, T. (1887) "''[[iarchive:castellateddomes02macguoft|The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland from the Twelfth to the Eighteenth Century Vol. 2]]''" pp. title page, 237–243.</ref><ref name=":2">Tranter, Nigel (1986) "''The Fortified House in Scotland – Volume 2, Central Scotland''" p. 38–39.</ref> "Externally, Fordell remains pretty much as it was when first built, a simply treated, dignified dwelling, on which corbelled [[Turret (architecture)|turetts]] and projections, happily grouped, relieve the plane wall-surfaces below."<ref name=":3">Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments & Constructions of Scotland (1933) "''[http://canmore-pdf.rcahms.gov.uk/wp/00/WP003822.pdf Eleventh Report with Inventory of Monuments and Constructions in the Counties of Fife, Kinross, and Clackmannan]''" p. 96–97.</ref> Fordell Castle is the only example of a tower house with two main stairs, each with its own door to the outside.<ref name=":4">Gifford, John (1992) "''Buildings of Scotland: [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Hz5ZtShXvoC&q=fordell Fife]''" p. 227.</ref><ref name=":5">Inglis, Janet (2011) "''Scotland's Castles: Rescued, Rebuilt and Reoccupied, 1945–2010''" p. 192 (citing Astaire, Leslie et al. (1997) "''Living in Scotland''" p. 110).</ref> The entrance is at the foot of the north stair tower and is through a studded door with a metal grate ([[yett]]) behind. It gives access to a vestibule. Stairs lead down to three vaulted basement chambers.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The western chamber included [[stocks]] and [[Scold's bridle|branks]],<ref name=":1" /> but the room has since been converted to a wine cellar. A rogue's collar or [[jougs]] hangs near the front entrance to the castle.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />
The first floor contains the Great Hall to the west; the great stone fireplace has a cast iron grate and stone surround. A "witch stone" carving above the entrance to the Great Hall is said to depict the daughter of James Henderson, 3rd of Fordell,<ref>Ross, Rev. W. (1885) ''"[http://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/aberdour_and_inchcolme_being_historical_notices_of_the_parish_and_monastery_1885.pdf Aberdour and Inchcolme: Being Historical Notices of the Parish and Monastery]''" pp. 339–340</ref> Margaret Echlin (née Henderson) of Pittadro, who was [[Great Scottish witch hunt of 1649–50|accused of witchcraft and imprisoned in 1649]].<ref name=":3" /> Prior to being tried, she was found dead, apparently from poison.<ref>Ross, Rev. W. (1885) ''"[http://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/aberdour_and_inchcolme_being_historical_notices_of_the_parish_and_monastery_1885.pdf Aberdour and Inchcolme: Being Historical Notices of the Parish and Monastery]''" pp. 339–341''';''' Lamont, John (pub. 1830) "[https://archive.org/stream/diaryofmrjohnlam00mait#page/12/mode/2up The Diary of Mr. John Lamont of Newton. 1649–1671]" at 12; Stodart, Robert Riddle (1881) "[https://books.google.com/books?id=WuZBAQAAMAAJ&dq=scottish+arms+fordell&pg=PA417 ''Scottish Arms, Being a Collection of Armorial Bearings. Vol. 2'']" p. 417; O'Leary, Rev. E. (1902) ''"[https://archive.org/details/journalcountyki01socigoog/page/n64 <!-- pg=40 quote=balfour pittadro witchcraft. --> John Lye, of Clonaugh, Co. Kildare]''" in "''Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society, Vol. III''" pp. 40–41 (quoting Balfour, Sir James, "''Annals of Scotland''"); Beveridge, D. (1888) ''"[https://archive.org/details/betweenochilsan01bevegoog/page/n68 <!-- pg=48 quote="grounds of fordel". --> Between the Ochils and Forth]''" p. 50</ref>
There is a smaller withdrawing room to the east of the Great Room. The paneled ceiling has star and half moon mouldings, reflecting motifs in the Henderson coat of arms. ''' '''Reclaimed timber from [[Edinburgh Castle]] and reclaimed Italian [[Carrara marble|Carrera]] tiles floors were added in recent renovations.
At gallery level is the main private apartment, which has a paneled ceiling with star and half moon moulding. Off this room is a modern bathroom. Also at this level is the Laird's Study, with a stone fireplace and access to the second spiral stair. Above the main stair head is a chamber known as Queen Mary's Room; it is vaulted and paneled, and has a stone fireplace.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
A small area of flat roof is castellated, and has a flagpole and wrought-iron beacon basket.<ref>MacGibbon, D. and Ross, T. (1887) "''[https://archive.org/stream/castellateddomes01macg#page/330/mode/2up/search/fordel The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland from the Twelfth to the Eighteenth Century Vol. 1]"'' p.330.</ref> The [[lintel]] of the door in the north tower is inscribed I.H (for James Henderson) 25 MCH (March) A.D. 1580. Higher is built in a broken lintel, also inscribed I.H. with I.M. for Henderson's wife, Jean Murray of Tullibardine, dated 1580. There is a heraldic panel above with the arms of Henderson and Murray dated 1567, inscribed with the Henderson motto '[[Clan Henderson|Sola Vertus Nobilitat]]'.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /><ref name=":4" />
Considered one of the finest details of the castle is the lead [[gargoyle]] at the eaves, seen in the north-east view. It "represents a winged four-footed monster, with open mouth and defiant attitude, designed and executed with great spirit."<ref name=":1" />
==History== The earliest charter in the [[Clan Henderson|Henderson of Fordell]] papers dates from 1217, when Richard, son of Hugh de Camera, with consent of his wife and son, (also) Richard, grants small parts of the lands of Fordell to the [[Inchcolm Abbey|Abbey of Inchcolm]].<ref>Easson, D.E. (1938) "''[http://digital.nls.uk/scottish-history-society-publications/browse/archive/128322815 Charters of the Abbey of Inchcolm]''" pp. 10, 117.</ref><ref>[http://www.survivorlibrary.com/library/aberdour_and_inchcolme_being_historical_notices_of_the_parish_and_monastery_1885.pdf Ross (1885)] pp. 125–127; Beam, A. et al. "[http://db.poms.ac.uk/record/source/4652/ Document 3/120/1 (''Inchcolm'', no. 12)]"; Richard, Son of Hugh de Camera, "[http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter]" (1217) NRS GD172/1, Papers of the Henderson Family of Fordell (GD172); "[https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/person/887/# Person Record: Richard, Son of Hugh de Camera]" ''PoMS no. 887,'' Retrieved 10 Oct 2019.</ref>
By 1240, William de Hercht held the lands of Fordell.<ref name=":6">[http://digital.nls.uk/scottish-history-society-publications/browse/archive/128322971 Easson (1938)] pp. 17, 130; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f2&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Notarized transcript] (1240) NRS GD172/2, Papers of the Henderson Family of Fordell (GD172).</ref> Sir William [[Clan Elphinstone|de Erth]] was the Lord of Fordell in 1428.<ref name=":7">[http://digital.nls.uk/scottish-history-society-publications/browse/archive/128321207 Easson (1938)] pp. xxxi, 54, 175.</ref> The Fordell lands were divided into fractional portions following William de Erth's death.<ref>See Armstrong, W.B. (1893) "The Bruces of Airth and Their Cadets" pp, [https://archive.org/stream/brucesofairththe00arms#page/n31/mode/2up 7], [https://archive.org/stream/brucesofairththe00arms#page/n35/mode/2up 9].</ref> John Henrisoun was serving as sergeant of Fordell by 1465.<ref>See Paul, J. B. ed. (1882) "RMS ii 1818" "[https://archive.org/stream/registrummagnisi02scot#page/n5/mode/2up/search/3570 Register of the Great Seal of Scotland: 1424–1513]" p. 386 ("''Joh. Henrisoun de Fordale serjando dicte baronie"'' witnesses 1465 marriage contract involving Willelmo Scot and Cristiane de Erth, including fractional part ownership of Fordale.</ref> It is not known when the original castle structure was constructed, but the main entrance tower is believed to date from the 1400s.{{Citation needed|date=June 2022}}
In 1510–1512, James (M. Jacobo) Henrysoun (Henderson),<ref>See Chalmers, George, (1824) "Preface" to [[iarchive:robeneandmakyne00chalgoog|<!-- quote=robene and makyne. --> Robene and Makyne]] p. x n.12 ("In the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the name was variously written, Henrison, Henrisoun, Henryson, Hendrison, and Henderson, which last became the established form").</ref> [[burgess of Edinburgh]], and his wife, Elene (née Baty), redeemed from mortgage his inherited fractional portion of the Fordell estate and purchased fractional parts of the lands of Fordell (''Fordalis'') from at least five others.<ref>[http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f9%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter] (1510) NRS GD172/9/1; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f11%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter] (1511) NRS GD172/11/1; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f12%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter] (1511) NRS GD172/12/1; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f14%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter] (1511) NRS GD172/14/1; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f16&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Assignation] (1511) NRS GD172/16; Laing, David (1865) "''[[iarchive:poemsfablesofrob00henr|The Poems and Fables of Robert Henryson]]''" at xliv–xlvi (purchases from Alexander Drummond of Ardmore; Elizabeth Erth, Lady of Plane; James Levingstone de Manerstoun; Cristina Hepburn; Alexander Elphingston; and Marjory Hepburn); Armstrong (1893) p. [https://archive.org/stream/brucesofairththe00arms#page/n33/mode/2up 8].</ref> The land was consolidated into a [[Barons in Scotland|barony]] granted by [[James IV of Scotland|King James IV]] in 1511.<ref>[http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f17%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter under Great Seal] (1511) NRS GD172/17; Paul, J. B. ed. (1882) "RMS ii 3570" "[[iarchive:registrummagnisi02scot|Register of the Great Seal of Scotland: 1424–1513]]" p. [https://archive.org/stream/registrummagnisi02scot#page/n5/mode/2up/search/3570 768]; "[http://fife-placenames.glasgow.ac.uk/placename/?id=379 Fordell]" Fife Place Names, retrieved 2017-11-22 (interpreting Latin RMS 3570).</ref>
In the mid-16th century, [[Mary, Queen of Scots]], is said to have stayed here when Marion Scott, one of her ladies-in-waiting, married George Henderson, the [[laird]].<ref>[[iarchive:castellateddomes02macguoft|MacGibbon (1887) vol. 2]], p.242; Astaire (1997) p. 114; see Buckner, J.C.R. (1881) ''Rambles In and Around Aberdour and Burntisland'' p. 48 a small room, named "Queen Marie's Boudoir" is said to have been fitted with an altar for her use during her stay.</ref><ref>Marilyn Brown, ''Scotland's Lost Gardens'' (Edinburgh, 2015), p. 103. (Marion Scott employed William Rae as gardener in June 1565. He was to look after the yards or gardens and grow peas and beans, and plant trees, and not work for anyone else. For this, Rae had gardener's house with two acres of land and grazing for two cows, just like the previous gardener, David Anderson.)</ref>
James Henderson, 3rd of Fordell, started to extend the castle in 1566.<ref>See [[iarchive:poemsfablesofrob00henr|Laing (1865)]] p. xli; Gifford (1992) p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Hz5ZtShXvoC&q=fordell 226].</ref> The masons Robert Peris, James Orrok, and others had made good progress building a "house of great quantity" when they were stopped on 5 June 1567 by William Spittal of Luquhat, who claimed a title to the lands of Fordell.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/calendaroflaingc00edin/page/208/mode/2up ''Calendar of Laing Charters'' (Edinburgh, 1899), p. 208 no. 825]</ref> In 1568 the castle was damaged by fire, then rebuilt.<ref>"Diary of Robert Birrel" p. [https://archive.org/stream/fragmentsscotis00dalygoog#page/n122/mode/2up/search/fordell 16] in Dalyell, John Graham (1798) "''[https://archive.org/stream/fragmentsscotis00dalygoog#page/n10/mode/2up Fragments of Scotish History]''" ("The 3 day of Junii [1568], being Thursday, James Hendersone of Fordell has hes place of Fordell brunt by ane suddaine fyre, both the old worke and the new."); [[iarchive:poemsfablesofrob00henr|Laing (1865)]] p. xli; [https://archive.org/details/betweenochilsan01bevegoog/page/n68 <!-- pg=48 quote="grounds of fordel". --> Beveridge (1888)] p. 49; Gifford (1992) p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=3Hz5ZtShXvoC&q=fordell 226].</ref> Evidence of the fire can be seen to the left of the main entrance tower.
During the late 16th century, the Hendersons began working the estate's rich coal seams that came to form the basis of the estate economy.<ref name=":9">{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=GDL00182|desc=Fordell Castle|mode=cs2|access-date=27 March 2019}}</ref><ref>Holman, Bob (1952) "''[https://archive.org/details/BehindTheDiamondPanes_932?q=battle+of+fordell Behind the Diamond Panes]''"; see [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/browseDetails.aspx?reference=GD172/284&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Letters of horning] (1628) NRS GD172/284.</ref> Sir John Henderson rebuilt St Theriot's Chapel in 1650 for use as a family mausoleum.<ref>[[iarchive:castellateddomes02macguoft|MacGibbon (1887) vol. 2]], p. 242; Suntrup (2008) p. [https://books.google.com/books?id=mJpN1S77_CEC&dq=St.+Therotus&pg=PA107 106–107].</ref> The castle was damaged by [[Oliver Cromwell]]'s army troops garrisoned at the castle in 1651.<ref name="Scotgaz">{{cite web |url=http://www.scottish-places.info/features/featurefirst6532.html |title=Fordell Castle |work=Gazetteer for Scotland |access-date=2008-11-21}}</ref><ref>See, generally, [[Battle of Inverkeithing]]; Simpkins, John Ewart (1914) "''[https://archive.org/stream/countyfolklorevo030979mbp#page/n57/mode/2up/search/fordell County Folk-Lore, vol. VII]''" p. 45 (local lore following Cromwell's soldiers 1651 quartering at Fordell Mill), citing Buckner, J.C.R. (1881)).</ref> The Hendersons became [[baronet]]s in 1694 during the reign of [[Charles II of England|Charles II]].<ref name="Burke">{{cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_BSkAAAAAQAAJ|title=A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland|last=Burke|first=Bernard|publisher=Harrison|year=1862|page=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_BSkAAAAAQAAJ/page/n707 682]}}</ref>
[[File:Fordell Castle Gates.jpg|thumb|The castle gates]] In the 19th century, the family built a large, new mansion – Fordell House – nearby.<ref>"[https://canmore.org.uk/site/116553/fordell-house Fordell House]" canmore.org.uk retrieved 2017-11-26 (photos).</ref> Fordell House was demolished in the 20th century, and there is now little visible evidence of its existence.<ref>Simpson, Eric (1999) ''"Dalgety Bay: Heritage and Hidden History"'' p. 74.</ref> During the same period, Fordell Castle was rarely occupied; the main hall is said to have been converted into a stable for a time.<ref>[[iarchive:poemsfablesofrob00henr|Laing (1865)]] p. xlii (interiors restored, the main hall having previously been turned into a stable); [https://archive.org/details/betweenochilsan01bevegoog/page/n68 <!-- pg=48 quote="grounds of fordel". --> Beveridge (1888)] p. 50 (castle unoccupied; open to the public weekly)</ref> George Mercer-Henderson modernized the castle and installed the gates. The north front was rebuilt in 1855 (designed by Robert Hay).<ref>Dictionary of Scottish Architects: Robert Hay</ref><ref name=":4" />
In 1953, John Hampden Mercer-Henderson, 8th [[Earl of Buckinghamshire]], divided the nearly {{convert|2000|acre}} estate, selling the land to the west of Fordel Burn.<ref name=":0">Simpson (1999) p. 77-78.</ref><ref>Malzahn, Renee Henderson (Winter 2006) "A Beautiful Journey" ''An Canach'' pp. 20–21.</ref> The walled garden at Pittadro was sold for use as a commercial nursery.<ref>See "[http://www.parksandgardens.org/places-and-people/site/8862/history Fordell Castle] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203013841/http://www.parksandgardens.org/places-and-people/site/8862/history |date=3 December 2017 }}" Parksandgardens.org (accessed 8 Oct 2019).</ref><ref name=":9" />
Fordell was acquired in 1961 by the controversial lawyer and [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] politician Sir [[Nicholas Fairbairn]] (1933–1995).<ref name="Scotgaz" /> The castle was restored and used as a private residence by Sir Nicholas and his wife Lady Sam Fairbairn.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/alt.obituaries/9f3omCBznas | location=Google Groups | work=Alt.Obituaries | title=Obituaries : Lady 'Sam' Fairbairn | date=27 January 2002}}</ref><ref>Inglis (2011) pp. 191–193 (citing Fairbairn, Nicholas (1987) "''A Life is Too Short''" pp. 164–167).</ref> Following his death in 1995, [[Nicholas Fairbairn]] was laid to rest in the crypt below the Chapel of St Theriot on the castle grounds.<ref name=":0" />
About 1995, the property was acquired by Dr Lorraine Inglis<ref>{{Cite news|title=Fordell Castle Today|last=Gulkis|first=Norm & Sue|date=Autumn 1997|work=An Canach}}</ref> and her husband, local veterinarian Bill Inglis.<ref name=":10" /> About 1999, the property was purchased by Andrew Berry, a businessman who made extensive, high-quality restorations of the castle, chapel, and grounds.<ref>"[http://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/guides-advice/estates-in-scotland-38587 Estates in Scotland]" (Aug 16, 2007), countrylife.co.uk retrieved 2017-11-25.</ref> In November 2007, Fordell Castle was sold for £3,850,000 to Stuart Simpson, the 17th Baron of Fordell, making it the fifth-highest-priced home ever sold in Scotland.<ref>Janet Brennan-Inglis, ''A Passion for Castles: The Story of MacGibbon and Ross and the Castles they surveyed'' (Edinburgh: John Donald, 2024), p. 65.</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.scotsman.com/news/163-5-million-price-tag-makes-it-king-of-the-castle-1-1072356 | location=Edinburgh | work=The Scotsman | title=Properties : Fordell Castle, Near Dunfermline, Fife | date=November 2007}}</ref> The Castle remains a private residence, and is a category A [[listed building]].<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB3652|desc=Fordell Castle|cat=A|mode=cs2|access-date=27 March 2019|fewer-links=yes}}</ref>
== Estate ownership == [[File:Ancient Cedar, Fordell Castle Gardens (geograph 5637268).jpg|thumb|Ancient cedar tree in the gardens]]
=== [[Laird]]s of Fordell === * A. and Richard, son of Hugh de Camera (c. 1220). Richard served as a witness to many royal documents for [[William the Lion|William I of Scotland ("William the Lion")]].<ref>[http://digital.nls.uk/scottish-history-society-publications/browse/archive/128322815 Easson (1938)] p. 117; Barrow, G.W.S. ed. (1971) "''[https://archive.org/details/actsofwilliamiki0002barr/mode/2up The Acts of William I, King of Scots, 1165–1214]''" p. 34 (Richard witnessed 28 of William I's acts. Richard's wife owned land in Fordell, Fife.); Webb, N. (2004) "''[http://theses.gla.ac.uk/3535/1/2004WebbPhD.pdf Settlement and integration in Scotland 1124–1214] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115201343/http://theses.gla.ac.uk/3535/1/2004WebbPhD.pdf |date=15 November 2017 }}''" (2004) pp. 158 and n. 108 ("Within the King's chamber it appears that there were several ''camerarii regis'' working simultaneously under a chamberlain in chief." "Hugh ''de camera'' appears to have had a son Richard who witnessed a number of the acts of William I in which he is clearly attached to the chamber . . . ."); see, e.g., [[William the Lion|William I, King of Scots]], "[http://www.modelsofauthority.ac.uk/digipal/manuscripts/635/texts/view/?above=location/locus/face/;¢er=transcription/sync/location/;&east=translation/sync/location/;&north=image/sync/location/;olv:28,6484,-5291,0; Charter]" (1189) NRS GD45/13/244, [http://www.modelsofauthority.ac.uk/digipal/manuscripts/635/ PoMS doc 1/6/264] (witnessed by "Hugh my Chancellor" (''Hug' Canceallario meo'') and "Richard son of Hugh" (''Ricardo filio hugonis'')); "[https://www.poms.ac.uk/record/person/887/# Person Record: Richard, Son of Hugh de Camera]" ''PoMS no. 887'' (identifying Richard, son of Hugh de Camera, as witness to Charter of 1189, PoMS doc 1/6/264).</ref> * William de Hercht (c. 1240)<ref name=":6" /> * Sir William de Erth of Plean and Fordell (–c. 1449).<ref name=":7" /> Sir William served as a hostage for [[James I of Scotland|James I]] at [[Durham, England|Durham]] in 1423–24 and [[Pontefract]] in 1426–27.<ref>[http://digital.nls.uk/scottish-history-society-publications/browse/archive/128323511 Easson (1938)] p. 175.</ref>
=== [[Barons in Scotland#List of Feudal Baronies .28created before 1707.29|Scottish Feudal Barony]] of Fordell === * James Henryson, 1st (c. 1450–1513) and Elene (Helen) Baty (–c. 1534). James Henderson was appointed Advocate to [[James IV of Scotland|King James IV]] in 1494 and Clerk of Justiciary in 1507.<ref>Paul, J. B. ed. (1882) "RMS ii 2463" and "RMS ii 3309" "[https://archive.org/stream/registrummagnisi02scot#page/n5/mode/2up/search/3570 Register of the Great Seal of Scotland]: 1424–1513" p. 524, 707, 928; [http://digital.nls.uk/scottish-history-society-publications/browse/archive/128323019 Easson (1938)] p. 134; [https://archive.org/details/robeneandmakyne00chalgoog <!-- quote=robene and makyne. --> Chalmers (1824)] p. ix.</ref> James died with the King at the [[Battle of Flodden]] in 1513; his first son died with him.<ref name="Burke" /><ref>[https://archive.org/details/robeneandmakyne00chalgoog <!-- quote=robene and makyne. --> Chalmers (1824)] p. ix; Douglas, Sir Robert (1798) [http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~battle/genealogy/baronage/page518.html ''Baronage of Scotland''] p. 518.</ref> * George Henderson (Henrisoun), 2nd (1480–1547) and first Katherine Adamson (Adamsoun) (–1539), second Marion (Mariota) Scott (–1566).<ref>[http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f21&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Instrument of Renunciation] (1517) NRS GD172/21; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f25%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Instrument of Resignation] (1522) NRS GD172/25; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f31&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Instrument of Sasine] (1546) NRS GD172/31; Paul, J. B. ed. (1883) "RMS iii 2775" "[[iarchive:registrummagnisi03scot|Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, A.D. 1513–1546]]" p. 643 (In 1542, [[James V of Scotland|King James V]] grants portion of land at ''Fordale'' to ''Georgio Henrisoun'' and ''Katherine Adamsoun''); "RMS iii 3304" "[[iarchive:registrummagnisi03scot|Register of the Great Seal of Scotland]]" p. 771 (In 1546, [[Mary, Queen of Scots]] grants additional lands east of Fordel to ''Georgio Hendersoun de Ferdell'' and ''Mariote Scott'').</ref> George Henderson died with his eldest son, William, in 1547 in the [[Battle of Pinkie Cleugh|Battle of Pinkie]].<ref name="Burke" /> * James Henderson, 3rd (c. 1544–c. 1610/12) and Jean Murray<ref name="Douglas">[http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~battle/genealogy/baronage/page519.html Douglas] (1798) p. 519.</ref> * Sir John Henderson, 4th (–1618) and first Agnes Balfour (–c. 1610/15), second Anna Halkat<ref name="Douglas"/> * [[John Henderson, 5th of Fordell|Sir John Henderson, 5th]] (1605–1650) and Margaret Menteath (–1653). Sir John was a distinguished soldier, taken prisoner when commanding at the African Coast, and later fought on the side of the [[Cavalier#English Civil War|Royalists]] in the [[First English Civil War|Civil War]], when Henderson was invested as a [[knight]] by [[Charles I of England|King Charles I]].<ref name="Douglas"/>
=== [[Baronet|Scottish Baronetcy]] of Fordell === * Sir John Henderson, 1st Baronet (1626–1683) and Margaret Hamiltoun (1635–1671)<ref name="freepages.rootsweb.com">[http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~battle/genealogy/baronage/page520.html Douglas] (1798) p. 520.</ref><ref name="Burke" /> * Sir William Henderson, 2nd Baronet (1664–1708)<ref>[https://archive.org/stream/brucesofairththe00arms#page/n113/mode/2up/search/fordel Armstrong (1893)] at 44.</ref> and Jean Hamilton (1667–1731)<ref name="freepages.rootsweb.com"/> * Sir John Henderson, 3rd Baronet (1686–c. 1729/30) and Christian Anstruther (–1760)<ref>[http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~battle/genealogy/baronage/page520.html Douglas] (1798) p. 520; see Aikman, William (circle of) (1719) "[http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/circle-of-william-aikman-british-1682-1731-5453478-details.aspx Portrait of Sir John Henderson of Fordell - 1719]" christies.com retrieved 23 Nov 2017; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/browseDetails.aspx?reference=GD172/409&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Marriage contract] (1716) NRS GD172/409; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/browseDetails.aspx?reference=GD172/423&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Note] (1760) NRS GD172/423.</ref> * Sir Robert Henderson, 4th Baronet (–1781) and Isabella (Isabel) Stuart (–1796)<ref>[http://freepages.rootsweb.com/~battle/genealogy/baronage/page520.html Douglas] (1798) p. 520; [https://archive.org/stream/brucesofairththe00arms#page/n113/mode/2up/search/fordel Armstrong (1893)] at 44</ref> * [[Sir John Henderson, 5th Baronet]] (1752–1817) and Anne Loudoun Robertson (–1782). Sir John was a politician, serving as Member of Parliament for Fife and for Stirling.<ref>Namier, L. (1964) "[http://www.historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1754-1790/member/henderson-john-1752-1817 Henderson, John (1752–1817), of Fordell, Fife]" "The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1754–1790" historyofparliamentonline.org retrieved 24 Nov 2017.</ref><ref name="Burke" /> * Sir Robert Bruce Henderson, 6th Baronet (1762–1833) (brother of Sir John). [[File:Sundial at Fordell Castle.jpg|thumb|upright|Sundial at Fordell Castle]] [[File:St Theriots Well (geograph 5637266).jpg|thumb|upright|St Theriots Well]]
=== Further owners and Barons of Fordell === * Anne Isabella Henderson ([[Philip Charles Durham#cite note-19|1782–1844]]; daughter of Sir John Henderson), who married [[Philip Charles Durham|Admiral Sir Philip Charles Calderwood Durham]] (1763–1845).<ref name="Burke" /><ref>For the complicated chain of succession between 1817 and 1852, see Malzahn, Renee Henderson (Winter 2006) "A Beautiful Journey" ''An Canach'' p. 21.</ref> Sir Philip was a [[Royal Navy]] officer whose service in the [[American War of Independence]], [[French Revolutionary War]], and [[Napoleonic Wars]] was lengthy, distinguished, and at times controversial. * George Mercer, later George Mercer Henderson (–1852).<ref name="Burke" /> * [[Douglas Mercer-Henderson|Lt-Gen. Douglas Mercer-Henderson]] (c. 1786–1854) and Susan Arabella Rowley.<ref name="Burke" /> Lt-Gen. Mercer-Henderson was distinguished officer who served in the [[Peninsular War]] and was in the [[Scots Guards|Scots Fusiliers Guards]] for 40 years. By royal licence dated 14 January 1853, Douglas Mercer, afterwards [[Douglas Mercer-Henderson]], and his issue were authorised to take the surname of Henderson in addition to and after Mercer, and to bear the arms of Henderson quarterly with those of Mercer.<ref name="Burke" /> * George William Mercer-Henderson (1823–1881) and Alice Primrose<ref name=":8">Burke, Sir Bernard (6th ed. 1879) "[[iarchive:genealogicalhera01byuburk/page/768/mode/2up|<!-- quote=fordell. --> Mercer-Henderson of Fordel]]" "A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland, Vol. 1" p. 768.</ref> * Edith Isabella Mercer-Henderson (–1902) and Hon. Hew Adam Dalrymple Hamilton Haldane-Duncan-Mercer-Henderson (née Haldane-Duncan) (1820–1900).<ref name=":8" /><ref>Grome, F. (ed.) (1883) "Fordel""[http://digital.nls.uk/gazetteers-of-scotland-1803-1901/archive/97377630 Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland: 1884-1885 (Vol. III)]" p. 34.</ref> * Georgiana Wilhelmina Haldane-Duncan-Mercer-Henderson (1867–1937) and [[Sidney Hobart-Hampden-Mercer-Henderson, 7th Earl of Buckinghamshire|Sidney Carr Hobert-Hampden-Mercer-Henderson (née Hobart-Hampden), 7th Earl of Buckinghamshire]] (1860-1930). * [[John Mercer-Henderson, 8th Earl of Buckinghamshire|John Hampden Mercer-Henderson, 8th Earl of Buckinghamshire]] (1906–1963). * James Henderson, author. * [[Nicholas Fairbairn|Sir Nicholas Fairbairn]] (1933–1995) and first Elizabeth MacKay, second Suzanne Mary Wheeler ("Lady Sam") (1942–2002)<ref name=":5" /> Fairbairn was a controversial lawyer and [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative]] politician. * Dr Lorraine Inglis and William "Bill" Inglis (1918–1999). Mr Inglis was a respected local veterinarian.<ref name=":10">[http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12018483.William_Inglis/ Obituary: William Inglis (1918–1999)], ''The Herald'' (15 March 1995) retrieved 25 Nov 2017.</ref> Dr Inglis was a close friend of Sir Nicholas Fairbairn.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12097435.doctor-who-witnessed-sir-nicholass-codicil-to-will-says-he-was-of-sound-mind-secret-deal-for-mps-daughters/|title=Doctor who witnessed Sir Nicholas's codicil to will says he was of sound mind. Secret deal for MP's daughters|date=11 July 1995|work=The Herald|access-date=22 Oct 2019}}</ref> * Andrew Berry.<ref>"[http://www.castlesworldwide.net/castles-of-scotland/fife/fordell-castle.html Fordell Castle]" castlesworldwide.net retrieved 25 Nov 2017; "[http://www.countrylife.co.uk/property/guides-advice/estates-in-scotland-38587 Estates in Scotland]" (Aug 16, 2007), countrylife.co.uk retrieved 25 Nov 2017.</ref> * Stuart Simpson and his daughters, Sabrina and Lara. Simpson is an art collector with a background in venture capital.<ref>"[https://www.fnlondon.com/articles/private-equity-two-partners-depart-charterhouse-stephane-etroy-stuart-simpson-20150915 Two partners depart Charterhouse]" fnlondon.com 15 Sept 2015, retrieved 8 Oct 2019; "[https://howtospendit.ft.com/house-garden/5392-design-art Design Art]" howtospendit.ft.com retrieved 25 Nov 2017.</ref>
==Grounds== [[File:At 10 to 2, Its Time for Tea (geograph 5636258).jpg|thumb|[[Floral clock]] in the gardens]] The estate currently encompasses about {{convert|210|acre}}.<ref>Kirkwood, H. (2007) "[http://www.countrylife.co.uk/news/ten-best-houses-in-scotland-38473 10 Best Houses in Scotland]" countrylife.co.uk retrieved 2017-11-24.</ref> The entrance to the Castle passes over a bridge, past a weir that formerly held back the waters of the Fordell Burn, and forming a lake that has now all but silted up. [[Rhododendron]]s surround the former lake and are a feature of the estate as a whole, lining the avenues through the estate. The castle sits in dense woodland, with very little opportunity to view it from anywhere, other than up close, or from a significant distance to the south-west.
An irregularly-shaped block of sandstone in a field to the west of the carriage drive is said to have been erected following the 1317 victory of the Scottish, led by [[William Sinclair (bishop)|William Sinclair]], [[Bishop of Dunkeld]], against an English invasion.<ref>Buckner (1881) p. 44; [[Patrick Fraser Tytler|Tytler, Patrick Fraser]] (1828) [https://archive.org/stream/historyscotland09tytlgoog#page/n356/mode/2up/search/Bishop+of+Dunkeld ''History of Scotland'' vol 1], p. 342–343.</ref>
The "Witch Knowe" on the right of the carriage drive was used to burn witches, the last in 1649.<ref>See Arnott, Robin G.K. (1992) "''Of Monks and Ministers – the story of the Church in Dalgety''" p. 29 (Privy Council could resort to torture to extract the "truth" from accused witches. If found guilty, they were "hung from a gibbet in Fordell Wood and then a fire was lit underneath them and their bodies burned to ashes."); see also Ross, Rev. William (1876) "''[[iarchive:glimpsesofpastor00ross|Glimpses of Pastoral Work in the Covenanting Times]]''" p. 199–204 (local customs in 1649 for interrogation, torture, and execution of suspected witches).</ref> The "Gallows-tree" blew down by 1887.<ref>[[iarchive:castellateddomes02macguoft|MacGibbon (1887) vol. 2]], p. 240.</ref>
[[File:Bastion in Barmkin Wall, Fordell Castle (geograph 5636259).jpg|thumb|Bastion in the Barmkin Wall]] The Castle, garden, and Chapel sit within a roughly trapezoidal area enclosed by a rubble [[barmkin]] wall, modified on the east side in the 19th century with [[Battlement|castellations]] and a [[bastion]]. The principal entrance lies on this side and is marked by large wrought-iron entrance gates and gate-piers, with large urn finials.<ref name=":9"/><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=3Hz5ZtShXvoC&q=fordell Gifford (1992)] p. 228.</ref>
The grounds consist of [[Italianate]] gardens, designed by Thomas White, Jr. in 1818.<ref>Tait, A. (1980) "The Landscape Garden in Scotland: 1735–1835" pp. 171, 259 (citing White, T. (1818) "A Design for the Improvement of the Grounds of Fordel" RHP 3803); see also Triggs, H. Inigo (1988) "''Formal Gardens in England and Scotland"'' pp. 43, 166 {{ISBN|1851490175}} (description and drawing of garden c. 1902).</ref> The gardens include an ancient [[Cedrus libani|Cedar of Lebanon]] said to have been planted by Sir Robert Henderson in 1721.<ref>"Fordell",''[https://books.google.com/books?id=o-49AQAAMAAJ&dq=cedar+fordell+ancient&pg=PA834 The Gardeners' Chronicle]'', June 25, 1887, pp. 834; Triggs (1988) p. 106; Buckner, J.C.R. (1881) "''Rambles In and Around Aberdour and Burntisland''" p. 51.</ref>
The [[Scottish sundial|sundial]] in the garden is an 1860 copy of the 1644 sundial originally at [[Pitreavie Castle]], [[Dunfermline]]. It comprises a square pedestal on four globes supporting a lectern dial. The pedestal features carved escutcheons on two faces with the Henderson family arms.<ref>MacGibbon, D. and Ross, T. (1892) "[https://archive.org/stream/castellateddomes05macguoft#page/428/mode/2up/search/fordel The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland from the Twelfth to the Eighteenth Century" ''Vol. 5''], pp.428–429.</ref><ref name=":9" />
On the west barmkin wall is the bell originally located in the chapel belfry. It is said to have been purchased by Sir John Henderson, 5th Bart. from a local provost for an extravagant price in order to secure that provost's election vote.<ref>Buckner (1881) p. 52.</ref>
To the south of the barmkin wall is a natural spring called St Theriot's Well.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=8247|title=St Theriot's Well - Holy Well or Sacred Spring in Scotland in Fife|author=<!--Not stated-->|date=29 March 2004|website=megalithic.co.uk|access-date=27 August 2017}}</ref> Folklore has it that the well has the extraordinary property of securing what one wishes, while drinking of its water.<ref>[[iarchive:glimpsesofpastor00ross|Ross (1876)]] p. 26–27.</ref>
===Saint Thereota's Chapel=== [[File:St. Thereota's Chapel, SW, on ground of Fordell Castle.jpg|thumb|upright|Saint Thereota's Chapel, SW, on ground of Fordell Castle]] [[File:Interior of St. Thereota's Chapel, on ground of Fordell Castle.jpg|thumb|upright|Interior of Saint Thereota's Chapel, on ground of Fordell Castle]]
About {{convert|70|yard}} to the south-west of the castle building within the garden boundary is the [[mortuary chapel]] of the Henderson family. It was built on the site of an earlier chapel, dedicated to Saint Therotus, Theoretus or Theriot, an obscure 8th century [[cleric]],<ref>"[http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/2225/name/Fordell+Castle+Chapel+Dalgety+Fife Fordell Castle Chapel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828011557/http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/2225/name/Fordell+Castle+Chapel+Dalgety+Fife |date=28 August 2017 }}" ''www.scottishchurches.org.uk'', Scottish Church Heritage Research Ltd, retrieved 27 August 2017.</ref> who is described by one source as "splendidly [[Wikt:apocryphal|apocryphal]]";<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mJpN1S77_CEC&dq=St.+Therotus&pg=PA107|title=Medieval to Early Modern Culture: Volume 10: Shaping the Present and the Future|date=2008|publisher=Peter Lang GmbH|isbn=978-3631556375|editor1-last=Suntrup|editor1-first=Rudolf|location=Frankfurt am Main|page=107|editor2-last=Veenstra|editor2-first=Jan R.}}</ref> it was first mentioned in 1510 but may have been considerably older.<ref>"[http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/2225/name/Fordell+Castle+Chapel+Dalgety+Fife Fordell Castle Chapel] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170828011557/http://www.scottishchurches.org.uk/sites/site/id/2225/name/Fordell+Castle+Chapel+Dalgety+Fife |date=28 August 2017 }}" ''www.scottishchurches.org.uk'', Scottish Church Heritage Research Ltd, retrieved 27 August 2017.; [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx?reference=GD172%2f17%2f1&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Charter under Great Seal] (1511) NRS GD172/17; Paul, J. B. ed. (1882) "RMS ii 3570" "''[https://archive.org/stream/registrummagnisi02scot#page/n5/mode/2up/search/3570 Register of the Great Seal of Scotland: 1424–1513]''" p. 768.</ref> The present building is rectangular, [[ashlar]]-built, with a [[slate]] roof and a [[belfry (architecture)|belfry]] at the western end. It has a [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] doorway with the Henderson motto and the date 1650. "The elevations are balanced in the [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] manner, but the windows are late [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] in fashion with traceried heads."<ref>[http://canmore-pdf.rcahms.gov.uk/wp/00/WP003822.pdf RCAHMS (1933)] p. 95.</ref> The windows are of German and Flemish painted glass date from the 16th century onwards.<ref>[http://canmore-pdf.rcahms.gov.uk/wp/00/WP003822.pdf RCAHMS (1933)] p. 96.</ref> During some time periods, the chapel was used for public worship.<ref>Buckner (1881) p. 26.</ref> The chapel was renovated in the 1650s<ref>[[iarchive:castellateddomes02macguoft|MacGibbon (1887) vol. 2]], p. 242; "[https://canmore.org.uk/collection/1110705 Fordell Chapel]" canmore.org.uk retrieved 2017-11-26 (1930 photo); see [http://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/browseDetails.aspx?reference=GD172/309&st=1&tc=y&tl=n&tn=n&tp=n&k=&ko=a&r=gd172&ro=c&df=&dt=&di=y Contract] (1653) NRS GD172/309 (contract for building a chapel for John Henryson of Fordell).</ref> and again the early 2000s; Berry family initials are carved to the left of the chapel entrance.
Saint Thereota's Chapel was made a Category A [[Listed building|Listed Building]] in 1972.<ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=LB3653|desc=Fordell Chapel|cat=A|mode=cs2|access-date=27 March 2019|fewer-links=yes}}</ref> ==Other features on the estate== Close to the Castle, the former Fordell Day Level used to surface. This was a mine "river", connecting the foot of numerous former coal mines, from as far afield as [[Cowdenbeath]], and draining the pits. It was one of Scotland's worst pollution issues, issuing [[iron]]-polluted water into the nearby watercourse, but this has been largely improved by the recently completed open-cast mining operations to the North, and the subsequent reparations and reed-bed water treatment facilities.{{citation needed|date=August 2017}}
The remains of one of Scotland's oldest railways runs {{convert|400|m}} to the east of the Castle. The [[Mineral railways of Dunfermline|Fordell railway]] route took coal from the Fife coalfields to the ships in St David's Bay, now part of the Dalgety Bay settlement. The original wooden rails are gone, although the embankments, cuttings, and stone bridges remain, and carriages and equipment can be viewed in the [[Museum of Scotland]], Edinburgh.<ref>See Inglis, J.C. and F. (1946) ''The Fordell Railway''; National Museums Scotland collections description, [https://www.nms.ac.uk/explore-our-collections/collection-search-results/?item_id=434256 item T.1998.14] ("Railway wagon, of wood with iron wheels, used to ship coal from the Fordell Collieries to St David's Harbour by the Fordell Colliery Railway, Fife, until 1946").</ref>
The former entrance avenue and gates to the east lead to Vantage Farm, a small steading featuring Scotland's only [[octagon]]al [[dovecote|doocot]] and ornate farm buildings including clock tower, Grieve's cottage, dairy, and three storey granary.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3672974|title=Vantage Farm Doocot|website=Geograph}}</ref> The steading is now exclusively residential.
There is a lodge to the west, known as North Lodge<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/879872|title=North Lodge|last=Clark|first=Robin|date=4 June 2009|website=Geograph|access-date=9 Oct 2019}}</ref> on the Inverkeithing/Crossgates Road, and South Lodge on the Aberdour Road, marking the primary entrances to the former estate.
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category-inline}}
{{coord|56.05371|-3.37129|format=dms|type:landmark_region:GB|display=title}}
[[Category:Castles in Fife]] [[Category:Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Fife]] [[Category:Category A listed buildings in Fife]] [[Category:Listed castles in Scotland]] [[Category:Lowland castles]] [[Category:Tower houses in Scotland]]