Heritage and History

Why was Dumfries House built?

Early records show that the mansion place, later referred to as Leifnorris House, was situated to the north-west of the present house and was in use as a residence by the Crichton family throughout the second half of the 17th Century.

With a distinguished military career behind him, William Crichton Dalrymple, the 5th Earl of Dumfries inherited his title upon the death of his mother in 1742. By 1748, the old house had probably seen its best days, and so a new, and more suitable family seat was required. However, in 1755, a year after building had begun, the Earl’s wife died, meaning he now had to find a new wife with whom to produce an heir, and to do so the Earl began to fill the House with beautiful furnishings and artwork.

A long and fascinating history...
now for a long and fascinating future.

An independent trust, The Great Steward’s of Scotland’s Dumfries House Trust, was established to manage the presentation and maintenance of the house, its collection and grounds. In November 2007 the estate was purchased from Lord Bute, the 7th Marquess by a consortium led by HRH The Prince of Wales, Duke of Rothesay.

This process saved the house, contents and estate from being broken up, however, there is still much that needs to be done, which will require the ongoing financial support of not only the consortium, but also sponsors, the general public and volunteers. There are many exciting projects afoot that will ensure the heritage-led regeneration of Dumfries House, the restoration projects within the house and on its contents, and the economic revival of the local community. To find out more about how you can help preserve the house and everything in it, please click here.