 |
 |
|
The Kennedy Connection
THE KENNEDY FAMILY are one of Scotland’s oldest families and trace their ancestry to Robert the Bruce. Culzean Castle was their principal seat from 1759, the castle and its landscapes reflecting their status and aspiration. Over the centuries, the Kennedy’s transformed a medieval tower house, built to protect its inhabitants during dangerous times, into one of the grandest country houses in Ayrshire.
As heir, the 4th Marquess had agreed to dissolve the entail on the Culzean and Cassillis estates and turn them into a family business but he knew that it was not a long-term solution. By the time he himself inherited, he was worried about the future of Culzean. He had no children and was convinced that neither he nor his heir, his brother Charles, could afford to run the estate. Although he had no intentions of living at Culzean permanently, he was proud of the connection between Culzean and the Kennedy’s and wanted to preserve its history. Accordingly he approached the newly formed National Trust for Scotland to discuss handing over the Castle to the nation. In 1943, before any decision was taken, the 4th Marquess died.
His widow, Lady Frances, and the 5th Marquess reached a final agreement and, in 1945, the Kennedy family formally handed over Culzean Castle, its policies, gardens and Home Farm into the care of the National Trust for Scotland.
The history of Culzean Castle is inextricably linked to the Kennedy family. Their act of generosity has ensured that this remarkable property will be cared for and appreciated by generations to come.
|
|
|
|
|
|
^ Back to Top
^ |
