Hunterston Brooch
One of Scotland's most important national treasures Purchase your own Hunterston BroochHome \ Discover Our History \ Hunterston Brooch
The Hunterston Brooch
The Hunterston Brooch was found by two estate workers digging drains on Hunterston Estate in the autumn of 1826. Named after the estate where it was discovered, the brooch became famed for its beauty and its size, and is considered one of Scotland’s most valuable national treasures.
Made of silver, partially gilded and inset with gold filigree and studded with Amber, the brooch is in almost perfect condition, with only the point of the pin, some of the amber studs and all of their gold caps missing.
Hunterston Brooch Back
Hunterston Brooch front
Despite its excellent condition, the style and workmanship of the Hunterston Brooch date, almost unbelievably, to about AD 700. It is considered an outstanding piece of design and craftsmanship, combining both Celtic and Anglo-Saxon features to reflect a historical period which was an artistic golden age in the British Isles.
Either Scotland or Ireland might claim to be the country of its origin. At one time a man with a common Irish name, Malbride (or Malbrigda) has scratched his name in Norse runes on the back. He would have belonged to one of the mixed Celtic-Norse communities then settled along the coast beside the Irish sea.
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We shall never know for how long the brooch lay in concealment below Goldenberry Hill. Some bones were found nearby creating speculation that the owner may have become a victim after the Battle of Largs in 1263. It would have been a person of high status to possess such a fine object.
Robert Hunter was the 25th laird at the time of this discovery and although he verbally requested the brooch remain a Hunter family heirloom, he made no legal provision in his Will. After his death his wife, against the wishes of their daughter Jane (26th laird) sold the brooch for 600 Pounds in March 1891 to the Scottish National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh.
The original brooch is now prominently displayed in the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh as a reflecton of its status as one of the most important national treasures, and we would highly recommend a visit to this free museum if you are in Edinburgh.
After the sale, an exact replica was commissioned which can be viewed as part of a Hunterston Castle tour. Smaller silver brooches modelled on the original are available for purchase from the Clan shop.
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DIRECTIONS
You will find us off the A78 just north of West Kilbride. Look for our driveway marked by stone pillars and "Hunterston Estate"
ADDRESS
Hunterston KA23 9QG
Telephone: +44 7980 209060
*This number is not continuously manned, so please do leave us a message.
OPENING TIMES AND ACCESS
Acccess to Hunterston Castle is strictly by appointment. Note that as a historic monument, wheel chair access is limited. More visitor information is available on our visitors page . Please book to arrange a visit.
