| Lesmoir Castle | |
|---|---|
  Lesmoir Castle | |
| Coordinates | 57°20′23″N 2°52′50″W / 57.33964194°N 2.880595328°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | 14th century |
Lesmoir Castle was a 16th-century castle, about 2.0 miles (3.2 km) west of Rhynie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, south-west of Tap o' Noth, at Mains of Lesmoir.[1]
History
Jock o’Scurdargue used the castle in the 15th century.[1] Although it has been suggested that there was construction dating back to 1508 while the earliest evidence suggests 1544. It is said to have been repaired around 1600.[2] It became a Gordon stronghold in the 16th century. David Leslie captured it in 1647 by draining the wet moat; he sacked the castle and hanged 27[2] of the garrison.[1] The Grants of Rothiemaise purchased it in 1759, and dismantled it.[1]
Structure
The castle was in 13th-century circular earthworks. There are few remains of the castle.[2][1] In 1647 there was a tower with a walled courtyard, which enclosed outbuildings. There was a moat. A house here remained until 1759 when it was demolished for building materials. There was a motte. The bailey which was to the south was a triangle about 5 feet (1.5 m) above the marshland.[2]