Hallforest Castle
{{short description|14th-century fortified tower in Kintore, Aberdeenshire, Scotland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
File:Hallforest Castle (geograph 1871776).jpg
Hallforest Castle is a keep, one of the oldest in Scotland,{{cite web|url=http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/18577/details/castle+of+hallforest/|work=Canmore|title=Castle of Hallforrest|accessdate=2014-04-02|archive-date=8 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408221213/http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk/en/site/18577/details/castle+of+hallforest/|url-status=dead}} as it dates from the 14th century. It is about a mile and a half from Kintore, in Aberdeenshire.Lindsay, Maurice (1986) The Castles of Scotland. Constable. {{ISBN|0-09-473430-5}} p270
Alternative names are Castle of Hallforrest, Hall Forest Castle or simply Hallforrest.
History
The castle is believed to have been built by Robert the Bruce as a hunting lodge; he is said to have granted it to Robert II Keith, Marischal of Scotland, the predecessor of the Earls of Kintore. Mary, Queen of Scots visited Hallforrest in 1562.
The castle was frequently attacked during the 17th-century wars. It may have been abandoned shortly afterward, although it remains the property of the Earls of Kintore.
Structure
Hallforrest is a plain oblong tower {{convert|48|ft|m}} long and {{convert|36|ft|m}} wide.
It once had a parapet, and probably a stone roof resting on an upper arch. It had two vaults, divided by entresol floors. It seems that the entrance led to the first entresol floor. There are small gun loops to the basement, which may have had a cattle door.
Originally the castle had six floors, while its walls were {{convert|7|ft|m}} thick. There are windows on the south. There is no evidence of masonry stairs; ladders and hatches must have been used. The interior is now ruinous.
To the north there are traces of what may have been an enclosing wall, and to the north-west traces of a possible ditch or moat.
It is a category B listed building.{{cite web |url= http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/sc-9154-hall-forest-castle-kintore |work=British Listed Buildings|title=Hall Forest Castle|accessdate=2014-04-08}}
References
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External links
{{commons category|Hallforest Castle}}
{{coord |57.2290|N|2.3706|W|display=title}}
Category:Castles in Aberdeenshire
Category:Category B listed buildings in Aberdeenshire