Mount Stuart, Scotland, United KingdomHaving taken the train and ferry to bike to Mount Stuart on Bute Island from Glasgow, I could now explore this extravagant stately home of a wealthy industrialist. The Earl of Bute earned his fortune from exporting coal from Cardiff.
See 'Biking to Mount Stuart' on TheBikeBlog - http://v2.travelark.org/travel-blog-entry/londone7/38/1725400227
Entrance was 17 pounds and I had to wait for the 11.30am opening. I was the first one in and had the place to myself while the crowds slowly made their way in
You enter into the main hall which has an upper level gallery looking down. There is also interesting roof architecture at the peak. There are also large tapestries.
The walking route takes you into the Marble Chapel and then the Ladies room where the ladies would gather separate from the men
One of the guides in the room explained it was built by the Maquis of Bute. I asked what is the difference between and Earl and a Maquis and it is to do with the hierarchy of the aristocracy
There was a special exhibition taking place on comic books as some originated from Scotland
The staircase to get to the upper level allows you to admire much of the impressive architecture
The upper level is a one way route thru several rooms. Aside from bedrooms there is an antique bathroom and a covered sun terrace
On BBC4 I have seen documentaries showing more rooms that are not open to the public such as the bedroom in the tower
See also Vlog of visit to Scotland Castles - https://youtu.be/Jrmmo68t5qM
2025-05-23