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Summary

Description

15th century. Ruin of oblong defensive keep on prominent, strategic site. Battered, thick walls, approximately 8ft at base; interior and exterior facings of large, rectangular blocks of stugged rubble sandstone with harl pointing, infill of loose rubble and harl; dressed stone margins.

NW ELEVATION: ruined wall approximately 25ft lowering to approximately 10ft at NE. Round-headed door at NE angle, dressed surround, door checked for an outer door and inner gate. Window at 1st floor to left.

Portion of wall of approximately 25ft at SW angle; only very low walls remaining at NE, SE.

INTERIOR: stone newel stair immediately to right of entrance, perhaps later insertion, chamfered jamb at entrance to stair. Lower floor, exposed rubble facing, originally 3 barrel-vaulted, interconnecting cellars. Original long hall at upper level, dressed stone facing; round-headed window at upper level at NW wall, deep recess with stone seats, window read as rectangular window on exterior. To left of window is shelved aumbry, stone shelf, recess for door; joist sockets for upper floor or parapet walkway above. Large fireplace with 2 coved flues in SW wall.

Statement of Special Interest

Lennox Tower is a 15th century fortified castle sited on a promontory site of sub-oval plan. The site overlooks Water of Leith to N and is bounded by ravines to E and W, a ditch to the S adds to the strategic nature of the site. The STATISTICAL ACCOUNT says that the tower was built by the Lennox family and later became the seat of the "Regent Morton". There was reputedly an underground passage to the river. The lands on which Lennox Castle is sited is known as Lymphoy and once belonged to Trinity College, Edinburgh. Lennox Tower was used as a picturesque element in the grounds of the mid 19th century Lymphoy Manor to SW. Lymphoy Manor is listed separately. Scheduled Ancient Monument, No 6200.

References

Bibliography

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