'Antiquities of Scotland' Index
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Dean Castle
THIS was one of the ancient seats of the Boyds,
Earls of Kilmarnock, for some time the favourites of King James III.
It was forfeited in the year 1745, afterwards sold to the Earl of
Glencairne, and in 1789, when this drawing was made, belonged to Miss
Scott.
IT lies a small distance from the main road
leading from Kilmarnock to Stewarton, and consists of a large vaulted
Square tower, which seems to have been built about the beginning of
the fifteenth century; this is surrounded by a court and other
buildings, apparently more modern. Upon the tower, under a defaced
coat of arms, there is this inscription: James Lord of Kilmarnock Dame
Katherine Creyk Lady Boyd.
THE Lord James, here commemorated, according to
Douglas, died 1654. He was a firm adherent to the royal cause, for
which he was by Oliver Cromwell excepted from pardon, and fined
fifteen hundred pounds Sterling.
IN this castle, it is said, Lady Margaret
(Douglas calls her Mary) sister to King James III. was confined during
the life of her husband, Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran, from whom she was
divorced, notwithslanding she had borne him two children. The pretext
for this divorce was some legal impediment at the time of marriage.
Some say it was a prior contract to the Lord Hamilton.
ON her husband and the rest of his family
falling under the king's displeasure, She went to Denmark, to acquaint
him with it; who thereupon fled for refuge to the courts of France and
Flanders. In the mean time King James sent for her. She hoping to make
her husband's peace, obeyed the summons, when the divorce was
procured. After her husband's death, who died abroad, she was married,
A. D. 1471, to the Lord Hamilton, then created Earl of Arran.
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