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The Hermitage was a folly first built by Captain Robert Riddell of Friars Carse (known as Glenriddell at this time and later returned to its ancient name) as part of his enthusiasm for antiquities. It is famous for its connection with the bard Robert Burns who through his friendship with Robert Riddell was permitted to use it to compose poetry in this secluded and tranquil sylvan spot. Burns also used his diamond point pen to engrave lines on the window pane at the Hermitage following the premature death of Robert Riddell. The original Hermitage fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in 1874. It was further restored to its former glory more recently (2009). ==The Hermitage== Captain Robert Riddell of Glenriddell had built a small summer house, an ''"ivied cot"''〔Douglas, Page 324〕 folly called the 'Hermitage' in the Crow Wood, a secluded part of the estate (NX 92589 84519), just a few fields away from Ellisland. The building was constructed in the mode of a medieval anchorites cell.〔Mackay, Page 433〕 Burns often used the building in this idyllic setting for writing poetry, having been given the key to the gate set in the Ellisland march-dyke and probably also enjoying drinking sessions here with Robert Riddell〔Hall, Page 169〕 as well as occasionally sleeping here.〔(Friars Carse Hotel history ) Accessed : 2015-01-02〕 The apparently roofless Hermitage lies close to the Mains Burn on the 1855 OS map and it records a network of paths, a bridge across the Mains Burn and at the main drive junction is marked a statue of an unknown personage (speculation suggests Robert Burns) and a seat.〔 The circa 1899 OS map appears to shows the rebuilt Hermitage, now roofed and sitting in an enclosure.〔 The seat and statue on the drive are no longer evident.〔(Dumfriesshire, Sheet 041.09 Publication date: 1900. Revised: ca. 1899 )〕 On Robert Riddell's death at the early age of only 39 the Hermitage was allowed to quietly decay; by 1803 it was being used by stray stock〔(Written in Friar's Carse. )〕 and in 1810 it was reported by Robert Hartley Cromek as being derelict. He expressed his shock that the site was not being maintained under Captain Smith's ownership of the estate, for the floor was covered in straw, cattle had broken down the trees and the inscribed pane of glass had gone.〔〔Mackay, Page 106〕 It measured 10.5 feet by eight and had a single window and fireplace.〔Groome, Page 622〕 In around 1870 William Douglas recorded that the only part of the building still standing was part of the east gable. Over the lintel was cut the name 'BURNS' in bold letters.〔 A watercolour of the original Hermitage purports to show it situated very close to the River Nith and therefore some distance from the present day building, suggesting that the new 'Hermitage' was built in a different location,〔Grimble, page 102〕 however the 1855 OS map records the 'Burns Hermitage' in its present position.〔(Dumfries Sheet XLI.9 (Dunscore) Survey date: 1855. Publication date: 1861 ).〕 Although the original building no longer exists, Mr Thomas Nelson of Friars Carse built another 'Hermitage', of a different design, on the same site in 1874.〔Dougal, Page 285〕 The British Listed Building register sees it as a 're-surfaced' building of circa 1790.〔(British Listed Buildings ) Retrieved : 21 September 2011〕 Adamson visited it in 1879 and records that it contained ''the rigid form of a monk, with shaven crown, chipped nose, and folded hands, lying on its back at the entrance.'' The building otherwise only contained a chair and a small table. The building was recently (2009) restored again and now has an interpretation board detailing its history and a trail guide indicates its location. The Hermitage lies within the private grounds of Friars Carse Hotel. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「The Hermitage (Friars Carse)」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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