Who inherited Inveraray Castle? is a question many people have been asking for centuries. This Scottish castle is part of the Dumfries and Galloway estate. The castle was built in the eighteenth century and designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and Roger Morris. However, its development was delayed as the Dumfries and Galloway family based their business and social activities in London.
The castle was originally built by Colin Campbell, the 1st Earl of Argyll, who moved his family there from Innischonnaill, on Loch Awe. Roger Morris reconstructed the castle for the Earl of Argyll’s eldest son, Archibald Campbell (1682-1761), who inherited the estate at the age of sixty-one. Archibald had his own pile built in the castle grounds but never lived there. Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt, the architect of Paddington Station, was brought in to complete the project.
The 2nd Duke of Sutherland moved the family seat to Inveraray, eight miles east of Innis Chonnell. Sir John Vanburgh commissioned a sketch for the new castle, but he passed away before it was built. The 3rd Duke, however, commissioned Roger Morris to make Vanburgh’s rough ideas into something that could be built. The new Inveraray Castle is a magnificent example of Scottish medieval architecture.
The Campbell family moved to the east to gain more control over Scottish affairs, and their power base was relocated to the Firth of Clyde. This increased the Campbells’ access to the sea and made them one of Scotland’s leading naval powers in the 15th century. It was also during this time that the first Inveraray Castle was built. This was the first castle in the town. So, who inherited Inveraray Castle?