Lordship and Architecture in Medieval and Renaissance Scotland

These essays constitute the first radical reassessment since the nineteenth century of the role of architecture as an expression of lordship and status among Scottish secular and ecclesiastical elites in the period c.1124-c.1650. These studies of the architectural patronage of particular families or groups explore how the nobility operated socially and economically, as well as politically, in the organisation and structure of lordship throughout the medieval and renaissance periods. The contributors draw on the traditions and strengths of Scottish genealogical, archaeological and art-historical enquiry to illustrate key themes, which include: family or kindred styles in building on a local, regional or national level; builders' or patrons' motives; the scale and use of the buildings; and ascertainable changes in function, purpose and attitude.

Richard D. Oram is Professor of Medieval and Environmental History, and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, at the University of Stirling. He is President of the Scottish Castles Association, President of the Scottish Society for Northern Studies, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and the Society of Antiquaries. Geoffrey Stell is a historian with specialist interests in Scottish castles and fortifications. He has published widely on subjects relating to Scottish building history. He was formerly Head of Architecture at the Royal Commission for Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland.