Hallforest Castle is a keep, one of the oldest in Scotland, [1] as it dates from the 14th century. It is about a mile and a half from Kintore, in Aberdeenshire. [2]
Alternative names are Castle of Hallforrest, Hall Forest Castle or simply Hallforrest. [1]
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. [2] Mary, Queen of Scots visited Hallforrest in 1562. [2]
The castle was frequently attacked during the 17th-century wars. [1] It may have been abandoned shortly afterward, although it remains the property of the Earls of Kintore. [1]
Hallforrest is a plain oblong tower 48 feet (15 m) long and 36 feet (11 m) wide. [1] It once had a parapet, and probably a stone roof resting on an upper arch. It had two vaults, divided by entresol floors. [2] 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. [2]
Originally the castle had six floors, while its walls were 7 feet (2.1 m) thick. There are windows on the south. There is no evidence of masonry stairs; ladders and hatches must have been used. [1] The interior is now ruinous. [2]
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. [1]
It is a category B listed building. [3]
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