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Summary

Description

Dating from 1887, six (three pairs) of squared ashlar gatepiers designed in a Greek Revival style, marking the former east entrance to Letham Grange estate. The central pair of gatepiers are taller than the others and have raised bands, fluted detailing, Greek key decoration and pedimented caps. A shorter pair of gatepiers flank these (about one metre away either side) with rosette decoration and topped by stepped and squared caps. Curved flanking walls with a cope extend from these gatepiers to the outermost pair (which are of the same design).

Statement of Special Interest

The gatepiers are good-quality, decorative examples of this building type with Greek Revival style features reflected in the neighbouring East Lodge (listed at category C, LB4759). The gatepiers and low, flanking quadrant walls are laid out in a semi-circle which is a standard design for a country estate entrance. This layout provided ample room for carriage traffic, and their survival and location are important as they show the historic function of the neighbouring lodge as an entrance to a large country house estate.

In the 13^th century the lands of Letham were granted by the Abbey of Arbroath to Hugo Heem. Ownership of the land changed numerous times over the centuries and comprised a number of estates (Gazetteer for Scotland). In 1822 John Hay Esquire, former Provost of Arbroath, bought and consolidated Letham, Peebles and New Grange estates to form Letham Grange.

Hay had a mansion built near the site of an earlier manor called Newgrange. The new mansion house, named Letham Grange, was designed by Archibald Simpson and built between 1827 and 1830. Hay died in 1869. Letham Grange was sold in 1876 to James Fletcher Esquire of Rosehaugh (1807-85). The house and estate remained in the ownership of the Fletcher family until the mid-20^th century (Groome, p.502). The East Lodge and its gatepiers and quadrant walls were constructed in 1887 as part of estate-wide improvement works under the direction of architect Alexander Ross (Dictionary of Scottish Architects).

Listed building record revised in 2022.

References

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