History of Knockderry

WHAT MAKES KNOCKDERRY UNIQUE?

Some of the historically significant features at Knockderry Castle

1855 DESIGN

Knockderry Castle, stands proudly on a natural rock foundation, once a Viking passage fort. Above the entrance, a stone carving declares, "As built on a rock, so be our lives" capturing the castle's enduring strength and historical significance.

Stone building with an inscription that reads 'As built on rock so be our lives' and two arched windows.
Colorful stained glass window depicting a Viking ship with a dragon figurehead sailing on the water, under a sunrise or sunset, with the text 'King Haco of Norway Before the Battle of Largs' at the bottom.

STAINED GLASS

Crafted in 1887 by James Guthrie, the stained glass windows of Knockderry Castle cast a mesmerising light across the sitting room. Envision the sun’s rays filtering through the intricate glass mosaics, creating a captivating and enchanting ambiance. These windows are among the many cherished treasures of Knockderry.

MUSIC ROOM

When designed and constructed by William Leiper for the 1896 renovation of Knockderry, no expense was spared. From the inlaid tiled fireplace, bronze rimmed windows, parquet floor, wood paneling, minstrels gallery to the art which surrounds the entire room.

Close-up view of an ornate, dark wooden fireplace mantel with intricate carvings, columns, and a decorative tile inlay with mosaic patterns.
Close-up of rusty metal pulleys and ropes.

WATER ELEVATOR

The water powered elevator at Knockderry that runs from basement to top floor, was the first of its kind in Scotland. We have found many pictures of similar designs from that era, and we hope to be able to restore it in the future to be able to fully operate once again.

STONE MASONRY

The castle is built from blonde sandstone and whinstone which is an extremely tough and durable igneous rock. It has stood the test of time, and against the harsh west coast Scottish weather for over 150 years.

Close-up view of a historic stone building with a round turret, multiple windows, and intricate stonework details.
Intricate stained glass windows with geometric patterns in a historic building, viewed from inside.

LEADED GLASS

We can probably thank the castle’s original architect - Alexander ‘Greek’ Thompson - for the inclusion of geometric leaded glass panel designs at Knockderry. Boasting over over a dozen leaded glass windows in the castle, these will be properly restored and their geometric designs preserved for the future.

HISTORICAL GRAFFITI

The use of the castle in WWII as a hospital for French soldiers is a fascinating part of its history. There is a little graffiti on the 3rd floor turret wall that reads “Vive la France!”

Concrete wall with various names, dates, and graffiti etched or painted onto its surface.
Black and white photo of nurses and military officer outdoors, with nurses in uniforms and white aprons, some wearing nurse hats, standing in a line with Charles de Gaulle in the center.

CHARLES DE GAULLE

Charles De Gaulle was the leader of the Free French effort in World War II and he later became the President of France. During the war, Knockderry served as a hospital for wounded French soldiers. De Gaulle paid a visit to the wounded soldiers on Christmas Eve and delivered gifts to them.

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A close-up of a carved wooden frame on the left and a group of three metallic statues of young boys reading a book on the right.