The social history of gates
Confined to lower levels while at Loch Tay, we walked from Firbush to the village of Killin via Kinnell House. The entrance to the grounds from the south is through an imposing pillared gateway.
At either side of the pillars a stone stile is set into the wall.
Below, a closer view of the stile on the other side of the gateway.
The gateway nearer the house is topped by imposing lions rather than plain urns, and lacks stone stiles. Our theory, made up on the spot, was that the gateway with the stiles was for tradespeople and staff, who were likely to be on foot, whereas the lion-topped gateway was for the inhabitants of the house and their visitors.
Kinnell House contains 'fabric' dating back to around 1580, although most of the house was built in the 18th century. Just across the driveway is this prehistoric stone circle, far more mysterious than any mossy gateways.
Just so very beautiful. Truly.
ReplyDeleteI love your photos of the old gates. Such interesting history!
ReplyDeletenice place and history :)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...
ReplyDeleteThe country side seems dotted with gates that are much grander than the roads they lead to, sometimes there no big house at the end at all (though it seems that Kinnell house definately exists). It's the changing nature of the countryside. Stone circles show this more, often miles from any center of residence any more. The two seem to go together in a way.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mini-vacation. I like your theory. Wouldn't have thought of it.
ReplyDeletesuch grand and beautiful entrances/ gates. i probably wouldn't make it past the gates for admiring them, lol...
ReplyDeleteyour sky photos in the post below are gorgeous... such stirring mood. hope all is well.
Fascinating atmospheres!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! I think your theory about the gate and stile is probably accurate. Nice to be able to spend some time blogging after weeks of disruption - so much to catch up on here!
ReplyDelete