By Rebecca Drew
STUNNING pictures offer a glimpse inside the decrepit Scottish mansion where Bonnie Prince Charlie once made his headquarters now on the open market for £1.25million despite efforts of a local trust to secure the historic building for the nation.
The atmospheric images show the original four-poster bed that Prince Charles Edward Stuart slept in, and possibly sired his only daughter on, chipped banisters and a neglected snooker table with vintage scoreboard. Other photos show a corridor of what would have been servants’ rooms and what looks like a utility room.
The house is now on the market and local community trust, Bannockburn House Trust is raising money with the intention to buy and refurbish the property.
The haunting shots were taken at Bannockburn House, Stirlingshire, Scotland by an urban explorer known as The Forgotten Scotland. To take his pictures, The Forgotten Scotland used a Nikon D5300.
“Having heard about the plans to purchase and save the house I wanted to share the secrets that were hidden inside and help raise awareness,” he said.
“People are often amazed that such a place exists and that it’s in such good, original condition.
“There is an appreciation for the beautiful decor and design which many modern buildings just don’t possess.
“I love having the time to think and compose shots with no pressure, in such a quiet location you have a lot of freedom to try different ideas and experiment.”
Bannockburn House was built in 1675 by Sir Hugh Paterson.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart spent a night in the house in 1745 during a march south to gain support and later in January 1746, he made the mansion his headquarters when he returned North from Derby on his quest to drum up support for the Jacobite cause.
Whilst staying at the house, he became ill and was looked after by Clementina Walkinshaw who later became the mother to his only daughter who was born in 1753.
“Scotland has many beautiful historic houses which are slowly crumbling out of sight,” added The Forgotten Scotland.
“Hopefully photos like these will raise awareness and show that there are hard-working groups out there who are trying to save them.
“Maybe this will encourage others to get involved in such projects.”
