Sites and Monument Record: Kinnaird House I (SMR 644)
Description
Georgian Mansion with large centre pediment surmounted by urns.
Object detail
The most famous inhabitant was the minister Robert Bruce. He was a close friend of King James VI until Robert publicly rebuked the king from the pulpit. He was banished overseas and only allowed to return in 1603 if he stayed within 3 miles of his estate. In 1629 he returned to preaching under Charles I and worked at Larbert Church. Here he had huge congregations. He died in 1631 and was buried in Larbert Church.
In the early 17th century a new mansion was built. In 1730 James Bruce, 7th of Kinnaird was born. He became famous as an explorer in Abysinnia and discovered the source of the White Nile. He became known as "The Traveller" and wrote his autobiography in Kinnaird House. It was probably t this time that the masion was rebuilt again. He died there in 1794 as the result of a fall on the steps of the house when handing a lady to her carriage. His grave monument is also in Larbert Churchyard.
The Abysinnian Traveller was succeeded by his son James and Kinnaird House remained in the Bruce family in direct filial line for the next four generations. The last was Lady Elam Bruce (Lady Thurlow).
House demolished when new house built in the 19th century. Some of the richly carved stonework from the old mansion can be seen along the drive near walled garden. It includes two large Corinthian capitals.
Public comments
Be the first to comment on this object record.