Fordyce can be discovered through its medieval townscape, historic buildings and the history of joinery. The town has medieval origins; some streets follow a medieval layout. Its winding streets and green spaces can be explored on foot. The old church and graveyard, Fordyce Castle and the Joiners’ Workshop Museum each offer a different perspective: from the town’s layout and architectural styles to tools and workshop machinery.
Medieval layout and surviving houses
Most of the houses and public buildings shown on the early Ordnance Survey maps of Fordyce have survived and are listed as Category B or C buildings. This means the town’s history can be seen in more than one building: the medieval street pattern and surviving buildings also contribute to the character of this historic place. As you walk through the winding streets, you can take in both; the green spaces complement this sense of the town’s layout. The streets, green spaces and buildings are different aspects of the townscape, not interchangeable attractions.
Church, chapels and tombs
The old church and graveyard of Fordyce form the designated Scheduled Monument SM352. At Old Fordyce Church stands the tall, freestanding Abercrombie and Glassaugh Aisle, a burial chapel dating from the late 17th century. St Mary’s Aisle is near the tower of Old Fordyce Church and has no roof. The Abercrombie and Glassaugh Aisle is tall and freestanding; St Mary’s Aisle is near the tower and has no roof. The Birkenbog Tomb in Old Fordyce Church dates from 1505, and the Findlater and Boyne Tomb from 1510. These tombs, dated significantly earlier, thus stand alongside the chapel from the late 17th century and add further dates to the building history.
Fordyce Castle and its building phases
Fordyce Castle was built in 1592 by Thomas Menzies, Laird of Durn and former Provost of Aberdeen. The core of the castle is a typical three-storey, L-shaped tower house from the 16th century. The west wing was added around 1700. The layout and number of storeys describe the older core; the later wing marks another building phase. Architecture enthusiasts will find not just a date here, but also a clear distinction between the original building and its extension.
Joinery at the Joiners’ Workshop Museum
The Fordyce Joiners’ Workshop Museum comprises a museum with a tool collection, a garden and a workshop. It displays joinery tools and workshop machinery used for craft work; many were still in use until the 1970s. The combination of tools and machines draws attention both to individual implements and to the equipment of a workshop. The museum opened to the public in spring 1993 as a completed community and visitor facility. If you are planning a visit, check current visitor arrangements in advance.
A historic Hogmanay custom
A local custom also forms part of Fordyce’s history: on Hogmanay, the Mortar Stane was carried with musical accompaniment to the home of a chosen girl. It was believed that this would help her get married. The belief about marriage was part of this historic tradition. This account complements the architectural evidence with a social custom and another way to engage with the town’s past.
Discover more destinations: Inchmarlo, Tarland, Ellon, Milltimber, Alford, Logie, Gardenstown, Aberdeen.
For the main travel overview: Aberdeenshire.
