Winton House

Winton House is a historic house set in a large estate between Pencaitland and Tranent in East Lothian, Scotland. The house is situated off the B6355 road approximately 0.5 miles (0.80 km) north of Pencaitland at grid reference NT437694

History

The Seton family were granted lands in East Lothian, including Winton, by King David I of Scotland in 1150. In the ensuing years the estate has passed through the hands of several eminent families. The origins of the house date from 1480 when George, 4th Lord Seton, commenced the building of Wintoun Castle, a tower standing 4 stories high, surrounded by a defensive curtain wall. During the War of the Rough Wooing in 1544, Edward Seymour, Earl of Hertford, all but destroyed Wintoun Castle after bombardment and burning.

In 1600, the family were granted the Earldom of Winton and the 1st Earl immediately set about restoration of the castle, although work ceased upon his death in 1603. His son Robert, the 2nd Earl, resigned the title which passed to his younger brother George. George commissioned William Wallace, master-mason to the king, to oversee the completion of the restoration in 1620. The completed house was more palatial than defensive, in keeping with a new confidence after the turbulent 16th century. Prince Charles, the future King Charles I of Scotland and England, was said to have visited Winton House, having been tutored by Alexander Seton, 1st Earl of Dunfermline who resided at nearby Pinkie House. Charles' son, King Charles II also visited the house.