Greenknowe

#150 Greenknowe Tower
The Borders near Gordon, Scotland
1581
This is NOT an official Lego site

Greenknowe Tower (aka Castle) is a roofless but otherwise well-preserved, classic L-plan Scottish castle. The main block contains four stories, while the stair wing on the east houses five. The walls are about 4 feet thick. The tower is entered by a ground-floor door in the re-entrant angle. A broad stair ascends to the hall level, with upper floors accessed by a smaller turnpike staircase corbelled out from the re-entrant angle. Each of the nine main rooms has a fireplace. There are only a few gun loops. Two door and two roof outlines can be seen from a north range, not demolished.

The land originally belonged to the Gordon clan, but was obtained by the Setons of Touch through marriage in the 15th century. The tower was built by James Seton in 1581 for his 2nd wife, Janet Edmonstone [the date and their initials are carved in the lintel above the entrance]. Despite the location in the oft contested border region with England, there is no evidence the castle was the scene of significant combat - perhaps heralding the advantages of being owned by "just a minor landowner". In the mid-17th century the tower was sold to the Pringles of Stichill, who enlarged some windows and made other additions. However, by 1830 the castle was derelict, and passed into State care in 1937.

Greenknowe (and me) at Hope Academy, Decatur

Friends were waiting to see what magnificent castle would serve as my 150th...
and so was I -- until Suzanne Broussard asked me to show projects at the
F.I.R.S.T. Lego League Regional Robotics Competition on December 12. I needed
a nice Scottish L-plan to complement my Irish Fortified House, Mallow Castle.
Construction began on December 4 - and took one week. Perfect timing!

Photos of the Lego Model Under construction in early December, 2015

The tower is laid out on December 4...	...and is above (and below) ground a few hours later.	The ground level is kitchen/ storeroom and grand staircase.	The cooking fireplace is both large - and lighted.

The kitchen/storeroom is vaulted...	...and then roofed.	We're ready for the hall - and spiral staircase to the upper floors.	On December 7 the first floor is built up.

And the grand stair is covered by the next floor.	The front view is a bit more formidable.	The corbels and beams are carefully added above the hall.	And the second story is quickly built. The rooms of the 2nd & 3rd floors were probably divided by...

...a wooden partition, but I thought it wouldn't show well, so its light gray stone.	The front is ready for traditional Scottish corner bartizans!	And on December 9, the tower is ready for its roof.	This will be the last picture until the castle is completed. Hope you've enjoyed!

Photos of the Lego Model Built December, 2015

Here is the completed model from the southeast.	The view from the south.	The west side is open so the four stories can be appreciated.	From the northwest.

The north side is where a later range was attached. The door might have been parapet access.	The kitchen fireplace is lighted with LEDs.	This view highlights the hall might have been separated from the kitchen.	Here is more detail of both staircases.


Ground & First Floor Plans	Plans for Floors 2 thru 4.	South & East Elevations	North & West Elevations


Etching of ruin	Plans of the Castle