Sunday 21 July 2013

BT1306 Answers




Stables at Carnsalloch

Sadly after neglect, vandalism and a fire the house and stables at Carnsalloch have fallen into disrepair.

Stables Description

Classical, square-plan stablecourt with single storey ranges wrapped around massive central taller block. Squared red rubble with polished dressings and margins. Each elevation has a pedimented central gateway rising above eaves level, with round-arched opening reaching into open pediment, and keystoned Diocletian window (louvered inner, blind outer lights) on inner tower above. Some altered openings at ground level; 12-pane sashes flanking blocked opening of gate on south elevation: irregularly arranged openings to other elevations. Eaves cornices; piended slate roofs, apex roof light above tower. Tower may originally have had a cupola (Historic Scotland)

Aerial view of Carnsalloch


Historical information about Carnsalloch - A Cairn of willows or shallows

A groat of Henry VIIl's second coinage—in fair
condition—has been found in the grounds of Carnsalloch House.











1550 the land was in possession of Robert Maxwell who gave it to son Homer Maxwell of Dalscone. Remained with the Maxwells until sold to Alexander Johnston around 1750.

Built for Alexander Johnstone of Carnsalloch. He is
described in the sasines as a chemist in London, so it may
be that a London architect was employed, and perhaps Isaac
Ware, whose 1756 publication included design of a "House built
for Alexander Johnstone, Esq, in Scotland" (a more expensive
scheme which was probably never done) (see H Colvin,
BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF BRITISH ARCHITECTS, 1600-1840, 1978, (p866)

The Architect? Possibly Isaac Ware
Isaac Ware architect
Alexander Johnston had a son, also named Alexander.
Sir Alexander Johnston 1775-1849

Johnston was born in Carnsalloch, Dumfriesshire in Scotland to Samuel Johnston and Hester Napier, daughter of Francis Napier, 6th Lord Napier. Johnston moved with his family when his father obtained a posting in Madras in 1781.

Colonial career

Johnston's family returned to UK in 1792 and then accepted a post as Advocate General in Celyon in 1799.
Johnston retired in 1817 and return to UK in 1819.
He learned the Tamil, Telugu, and Hindustani languages.

Retirement

After retirement Johnston founded the Royal Asiatic Society died in London in 1849.

Personal


His son Alexander Robert Johnston was a colonial official in Mauritius and Hong Kong before going to England (and died in the United States in 1888).

Cheshire Home

In the 1950s the House became a Cheshire Home for the Disabled then briefly served as a Private School. It was then bought by developers who sadly neglected the property which was vandalised and badly damaged by fire. It is now in the hands of new developers who have plans to restore the property.These plans were turned down by the Planning Committee in 2010 due to the risk of flooding. http://www.dgstandard.co.uk/dumfries-news/2010/04/09/historic-house-plans-turned-down-77296-26203131/

Salmon Fishing


The River Nith flows past Carnsalloch and has been know to provide many a good salmon for fishermen. Here is a link for salmon fishing at Carnsalloch 
http://www.fishpal.com/Scotland/Nith/DGAACarnsalloch/


If anyone has more information on Carnsalloch, please send it to  kirkmahoe@gmail.com so that we can add it to our records

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