Hamilton House, Prestonpans - 1626

Our running group headed along the canal this morning as far as Wester Hailes Police Station.  Outbound we were running into a fair old head wind although it was sunny.  On the return the sun turned to rain, we got soaked and  the wind changed direction, as often happens!

After drying off and cleaning up I headed to Prestonpans for the rest of the day visiting family.  

Hamilton House built in 1626 is one of several Category A listed buildings in Prestonpans - infact there are more Category A listed buildings in Prestonpans than in any other town in East Lothian!  It's also one of four fortified Laird's Houses in the town, the others being Preston Tower, Northfield House and Harlawhill.  

The house was built for Sir John Hamilton, Lord Magdalens, and his wife Katherine Sympson.  Above the entrance door is a panel with their initials, the date 1626 and the inscription "Praised be the Lord My Strenth and My Redeimer".  The original studded oak door had been taken to the National Museum of Scotland by the late 19th century. 

It's thought the Hamiltons had left the property by the 1740s. Around 1805 during Napoleonic times the house was occupied by troops  leading to it being known as The Barracks.  Later in the 19th century the house was used as a tavern and by 1880 records show the Hislop family as owners. By the 1920s the house was derelict.  It was under threat of demolition when the National Trust bought it in 1937. 

I've always found it an attractive house and would love to get inside for a visit but it's not open to the public.