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Summary

Description

Hans Ewald Tessin, 1652. Moulded arch approximately 4ft high (formerly higher with panel over arch) in short section of ashlar masonry; arch infilled; plaque within, erected by Kyle and Carrick District Council (see Notes).

Statement of Special Interest

SCHEDULED MONUMENT. As noted by AA Tait, "There is, among the Clarke MSS, at Worcester, a plan of the 'Citadel and Town of Ayre', signed 'Hans Ewald Tessin. Archit; Militar: and dated 1654. Inscribed on the verso is the bad rhyme :

'When Maj. Gen. Richard Deane, in chief did rule Scotland

And Matthew Allured, Colonel, this west pat command,

Hans Ewald Tessin, Architect, was sent this to erect.

Against Englands foe for Englands Friend, whom ever God Protect.' "Tait continues, "There is an entry in Mercurius Politicus of April, 1652, in which the fortifications at Ayr are described as going 'on apace' [...] The explanation of the late date of the plan and its elaborate drawing (it is titled with gold leaf) may be that it was intended as a plate for Payne Fisher's projected history of the 1650-1652 campaign." It is further suggested by Tait that Hans Ewald Tessin, was a member of the Swedish Tessin family of architects (footnote no 54). Plaque erected by Council reads, "Citadel Gate. This was the main gateway to the Citadel Fort. The fort was one of 5 built in Scotland by the Cromwellian government between 1650 and 1660, and was the most heavily defended. The tower of St John was used as a lookout while the church itself was used as the armoury. The fort was abandoned in 1660 on the restoration of Charles II to the throne.

It was dismantled in the early 18th century. However large sections of the walls can still be seen."

References

Bibliography

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