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The
Frasers were one of many Anglo-Norman families to settle in
Scotland in the 11th and 12th century. In the 15th century,
some of the Frasers resettled to Aberdeenshire on land upon
which Castle Fraser now stands. The castle is one of the grandest
examples of Scottish baronial architecture and has been continuously
occupied for more than 500 years. Externally, little has changed
at the castle since the completion of two long low buildings
by the First Lord Fraser, in 1635. The core building dates
from about 1454, when the Frasers were confirmed in the newly
formed barony of Stoneywood and Muchalls in Mar. From 1560
to 1570, Michael Fraser and his son Andrew created a modified
Z plan building. To build the upper works of his castle Andrew
employed J. Bell, a local family of master Masons, whose work
can be recognized at Midmar Castle, Crathes and Craigievar.
The elements of rough granite, a profusion of ornament, stone
cannon and angle turrets with lozenge and dormer windows carved
and peaked above the wallheads, and a high pitched roof with
gables crow-stepping gracefully across the tiles all come
together as the gem called Castle Fraser. |
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