Scottish baronial houses
Hubert FenwickFeudalism came to Lowland Scotland and parts of the Highlands almost as early as it did to England and in many senses, the Scottish baronial house with its resident laird, occupies a comparable historical position to that of the English manor house with its lord. It was frequently from their baronial houses, not castles, that the feudal barons as Officers of the Law dispensed justice and served their king. In this illuminating study of the architecture and history of some 120 baronial houses Hubert Fenwich highlights their individual features and shows how styles changed, largely as a result of French and English influences. His extensive survey, stretching from Caithness to the Borders, includes the development of the characteristic tower house as well as many domestic details such as the elegant use of wrought ironwork.
Ranging from the humble to the magnificent, Scotland's baronial houses are as fascinating as her castles and famous mansions. Many remain associated with ancient families who have owned their baronies for well over 700 years. These unique houses form an integral part of the Scots heritage and represent a continuing tradition that is still perserved by legislation and Armorial Law.