Scotland · Still standing
Saltoun Hall
Saltoun Hall is a historic country house in East Lothian that began as a 12th‑century tower and was substantially remodelled in the early 19th century by William Burn. The L‑shaped, castellated house stands within parkland reached by a prominent gated carriage entrance; the estate includes a listed doocot and formerly extensive formal gardens. The building is category A listed and remains standing, now subdivided into apartments.
Its prime
1817
Today
Still standing
As it stood in 1817
What Saltoun Hall looked like in its prime.
Broad pale-rendered entrance range with a central horseshoe carriage arch, an upper carriage-block with a multi‑pane mullioned window and a crenellated parapet; flanking single-storey ranges with recessed arched panels and tall multi‑pane sash windows. L-shaped main house in the manner of early 19th‑century Gothic Revival, with a large square corner turret, small chimneys and slate roofs. Set on a tree-lined estate drive leading into parkland behind the gateway.
Its story
The story of Saltoun Hall.
Saltoun Hall began life in the 12th century as a tower in the hands of the powerful de Morville family, Hugh de Morville was granted the lands at Saltoun by King David I, and his family were created hereditary High Constables of Scotland.
By 1260 Sir William Abernethy owned the lands and castle, and his descendant Sir Lawrence was created Lord Saltoun in 1445; the Abernethys held Saltoun for nearly 400 years. In 1548, during Somerset's occupation of Haddington, John Cockburn of Ormiston held the castle for the English commander Grey of Wilton, the Earl of Arran retook it that February with artillery brought from Edinburgh Castle, and hanged five of Cockburn's men.
In 1643 the estates were bought by Andrew Fletcher, Lord Innerpeffer, whose family still owns the land. A new south wing was added in 1769, and the house was remodelled in castellated style in the early 19th century by William Burn. Sold in the late 1960s and subdivided into apartments, the Category A listed hall still has Fletchers living nearby.
Step inside
10 places to explore in 1817.
The record describes 10 distinct spots at Saltoun Hall, including 5 interiors: chamber above the carriage arch, library wing (1779), the great stair in the angle and more. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.
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Clans who held Saltoun Hall.
The families that held Saltoun Hall for a decade or more across its history, follow a name to its clan.
de Morville
Held by the de Morvilles, hereditary High Constables of Scotland, from the 12th century.
Abernethy
Held by the Abernethys for nearly 400 years from before 1260; Sir Lawrence Abernethy was created Lord Saltoun in 1445.
Bought by Andrew Fletcher, Lord Innerpeffer, in 1643; the family held the hall until the late 1960s.
Nearby
