he
Balnagowan Castle, in Kildary, was the seat of the chiefs of Clan
Ross from early times until their line came to an end in the
person of David, 13th Chief.
It was probably built in the
15th century, the west tower, with its high pointed roof and
turrets, being the oldest part. David, who was particularly
interested in architecture, rebuilt the main portion and also
added to it about the end of the 17th century.
Since his time, the Castle has been
repaired, and in 1838 the east tower was built in harmony with the
older parts. In the course of these repairs, a recess was
discovered in one of the walls of the dining room. The walls of
the recess were covered with drawings of figures in the military
garb of the 15th century.
In one of the rooms in the portion
built by David, there is a lintel above the fireplace, on which
are shown three circles. Above the middle circle are the letters:
A-M-M-F.
Below the circle are the
words: SOLI-DEO-GLORIA (To God alone be the glory). Inside the
circle is a minister, in a Geneva hat, gown and bands, holding an
open Bible, on which is inscribed the words:
- FEAR-GOD-IN-HEART-AS-YE-MY-BEDED
- round the ministerial figure are
the words:
-
- SERVIRE-DEUM-EST-REG-NARE
(To serve God is to rule)
