I first visited the ruin of Crawford Priory in May 2004 with my 7 year old son Andrew on the way to a picnic in St Andrews. I have now visited many times.
I was interested in Crawford Priory as one of my Deeside forebears, James Gordon, had left the remote Aberdeenshire glen of his birth, to become a gardener at Crawford Priory. His family story is tragic. I never did manage to find out what happened to his boy that survived.
The Priory had its roof removed in 1971.
I have since been finding out all that I can about the lady who had it built: Lady Mary Lindsay Crawford. Ahead of my film on this remarkable lady I share a gallery of what I have collected so far. I have been to Balcarres castle as I believe that Lady Mary’s portrait hangs there.
Very interesting article and photos that I have never seen before! Can I ask you if you know who was in the mausoleum with her. I found a youtube video of an explorer call Jag Betty, looks like it was 3 lead coffins in it.
Did you find her portrait at Balcarres house too?
Thanks for all those precious details anyway! And for a great website!
Best Wishes
Ana