east-lothian-1924/05-191

Transcription

PRESTONPANS.] -- INVENTORY OF MONUMENTS IN EAST LOTHIAN. -- [PRESTONPANS.

P. McNeil, p. 187. Anderson's Memorials of
the House of Hamilton.

ix. N.W. 4 September 1913.

157. Preston House.-A fragment of Preston
House, a 17th century mansion, stands about
100 yards south of Schaw's Hospital at the
east end of Preston. In the late 18th century,
James Schaw, the proprietor, bequeathed the
mansion, lands and barony of Preston with the
residue of other funds in trust for the main-

[illustration inserted]
FIG. 152.-Preston House (No. 157).

tenance and education of boys whose parents
were in poor circumstances.1 The fragment
consists of the north front (fig. 152), at either
end of which was a square projecting pavilion or
wing of two storeys, the lower being vaulted,
roofed with an ogival slated roof. The eastern
wing has a modern roof and is used as a store,
the western is ruinous. The masonry is of
freestone rubble and has been harled. At
wall-head level there returns an ogival eaves
course ; the windows and quoins have dressed
and backset margins.
HISTORICAL NOTE.-This house was appar-
ently built either towards the end of the 16th

103

or early in the 17th century for Thomas, son
of Sir James Oswald, Lord Provost of Edin-
burgh, Sir James being descended from a
sister of Sir Thomas Hamilton, and having
himself married Sir Thomas's daughter, while
Thomas Oswald married Sir Thomas's grand-
daughter. Sir Robert therefore (see previous
article), himself unmarried, conveyed his rights
to Thomas Oswald.2 From the Oswalds the
estate was acquired by the well-known Lord
Grange, who later disposed of the property,
the greater part of which was afterwards

[illustration continued]
FIG. 152.-Preston House (No. 157).

purchased by Dr. James Schaw.1

1 Stat. Acct. xvii., p. 78 ; 2 Anderson's
House of Hamilton.

ix. N.W. 6 April 1920.

158. Old Hamilton House.-At the angle
formed by the West Loan with the high road, 360
yards north-west of Prestonpans station, and
almost opposite Northfield House (No. 159), is
a mansion which is now cut up into small artisan
dwellings. There is a main rectangular block
running north and south with rectangular wings
projecting westwards from either end, all