Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

CCCXXXIV AXNANDALE MANSIONS.
The dostnictiou of LocliwooJ Tower was revenged by the JoLnstoiics at the burning
of the pai'ish kirk of Lochniaben, and later still, at tlic battle of Dryfc Sands on 7th
December I'liio, when on both occasions tl)c INIaxwells were defeated by the
Johnstones.
It was in the time of Sir John Johnstone of Johnstone and Dunskellie, knight, tliat
Lochwood was burned. His son. Sir James Johnstone of Johnstone and Duuskellie,
kuiglit, made a claim against the Jlaxwells for attacking and burning the house of
Lochwood, along with his charter-chests and all bis family nnmimeuts. This last
wa.s an irreparable loss, as although the house and furniture could be renewed, the
ancient charters and muniments could not be restored. Their destruction has made
the ta.sk of writing the histoi-y of the early members of the family from the twelfth
to the sixteenth century one of difficulty.
Lochwood Tower was afterwards rebuilt and inhabited by the Johnstone family,
and it continued to be their principal residence till an accidental fire about the year
1710 destroyed it. Not having been rebuilt, it gradually became a ruin, apart of
which is shown in the accompanying sketch.
3. MOFFAT HOUSE.
This mansion was erected in the year 1751 by John, second Earl of ITopetoun, who
was tlien in possession of the Annandale estates as tutor-in-law of his uncle, George,
tliird Marquis of Anuaudale. Lord Hopetoun made it his place of residence during his
periodical visits to Annandale attending to the management of the estates. The house
stands on the ujipcr portion of the vrcst .side, but a considerable distance from the line
of the High Street cf Jloffat. The site of it, and also the grormds attached to it, were
formerly a park called Mearspark, extending behind the house to the river Annan, the
boundary on the west. Moffat House is three storeys in height, with wings on eacli
side. Tlie doors and windows are built of red or corncockle stone, the other portions
of the house are of black whinstone. The house in ajipearanee is a plain but stately
structure, and has considerable architectural effect. The ground allotted to the policies,
which was previously bare, was planted by his lordship with ornamental trees. Some
of these, especially the oaks, have grown to a great size. The gardens and pleasure-
grouud.s were arranged with taste and skill.
From the comparatively modern date of the erection of Mofl'at House, no part of
the history of the Johnstone family, either before or after the erection, attaches to the
mansion. It was not till the time of James, third Earl of Hopetoun, when he became