This is an impressive building in
Hamilton, just south of Glasgow. But it was merely the hunting lodge of a much
bigger property, Hamilton Palace. It is located within the former estate of the
Dukes of Hamilton. They were hugely wealthy and built the hunting lodge in
1734. The lodge consists of a pair of pavilions linked by a wall. It
was intended to be an impressive sight against the skyline when viewed from the
palace a mile away and linked by a tree lined avenue. When I add that the lodge
had a leopard house you'll get an idea of the extravagant luxury here.
The Dukes' wealth came
from their ownership of the Lanarkshire coal mines. But the mines caused
subsidence which, in part, led to the demolition of the palace in 1929. The
palace was the largest non-royal residence in Britain and perhaps Europe. The
lodge was abandoned at that time and fell into disrepair. It was restored by
the local council in the 1980's and the lodge and grounds is now a well-visited
attraction.
The lodge was so named because the Duke also held the French title of duc de Châtellerault.
The lodge was so named because the Duke also held the French title of duc de Châtellerault.
Hamilton Palace |