Craigcrook

Elevated on the slopes of Corstorphine Hill sits Craigcrook Castle. It’s a place steeped in history, a silent observer of centuries of Edinburgh’s unfolding story. Craigcrook isn’t just a castle, it’s a patchwork of time. The original structure, likely a fortified tower house, dates back to the early 17th century. Later additions, like the drawing-room wing added by Lord Jeffrey in the 19th century, and the billiard room added around 1891, create a fascinating blend of architectural styles. Craigcrook Castle has passed through the hands of merchants, provosts, writers, and publishers, each leaving their mark on its story. Originally owned by the Adamson family, it was later sold to John Mein, a merchant, then to Sir John Hall, who served as Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The castle eventually came under the ownership of John Strachan, who, upon his death in 1719, bequeathed it for charitable purposes. The Craigcrook Mortification, established as a result of Strachan’s will, still owns the castle and grounds today. Craigcrook Castle’s connection to literature is particularly strong. Archibald Constable, the renowned publisher, lived here in the early 1800s. His son, Thomas Constable, was even born within these walls in 1812. Later, Francis Jeffrey, Lord Jeffrey, a prominent lawyer and literary critic, made Craigcrook his home. He transformed the castle, adding the drawing-room wing and commissioning the artist David Roberts to decorate the library. During Jeffrey’s time, Craigcrook became a hub for literary gatherings. Imagine the conversations that must have taken place within these walls. Notable figures like Sir Walter Scott, Charles Dickens, Hans Christian Andersen, George Eliot, and Lord Tennyson were all guests here. Even today, whispers of those gatherings seem to linger in the air. Craigcrook also holds a darker tale. In 1707, John Strachan’s servant, Helen Bell, was tragically murdered beneath Edinburgh’s Castle Rock. The murderers used her key to enter Strachan’s Edinburgh townhouse and stole a significant sum of money. Although the castle grounds may evoke a sense of tranquility now, this grim event serves as a reminder of the complexities of history. Today, Craigcrook Castle stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s rich past. Its walls whisper stories of literary giants, of changing ownership, and even of tragic events. It is a place where the echoes of the past continue to resonate.