|
Dunure Castle
mid-19th Century Sketch
Many thanks to Alan McCutcheon who gave
us permission to include this picture on the website. The sketch
is one of a set from a mid-19th century sketchbook drawn by Alex
McArthur. Alan's Grandfather
ran a shipping business on the Clyde and he was given the
sketchbook by Alex who may well have been working on one of his
ships. The
book contains sketches for many areas of the world including the
Cape of Good Hope, Cape Cable, Philippian Island and Chepstow
Castle.
It is likely he worked on the "Mary Low"; Alan's Grandfather's
surname was Low.
You will notice on the sketch the four
cottages to the left of the doocot and castle. These are also
shown in Francis Grose's drawing of the castle in 1789 on the
right but they fell into disuse and were eventually cleared away
to open up the car park area and improve the appearance of the
castle and area.
There is a rock at the end of the harbour
road and I think the sketch was made from the top of that rock as
this gives the correct angle on the line of rocks just off shore
and the height needed to look down on the beach area.
At area at the bottom left of the sketch is
not a pond but the beach. A string of separate rocks separate the
beach area from the sea. There are a row of cottages on the left
but with a road along the front of them nowadays.
Many thanks Alan!
|
