192 REPORT OF MEETINGS l^^OH 1907 



gained possession of it through the connivance of its command- 

 ant. It was on this occasion that his purpose of rendering 

 it doubly strong by added fortifications was given effect to. 

 In 1639 the Covenanters wrested it from the Marquis of 

 Douglas, and garrisoned it in opposition to the King. In 

 1659 General Monk contributed largely to its destruction. 

 Towards the close of the 18th century it passed into the 

 hands of Sir Hew Dalrymple, to whose representative it 

 still belongs.* 



While a halt was called for lunch within the courtyard, 

 Captain Norman read a descriptive paper dealing with the 

 salient features of the plan and history of the Castle, after 

 which the members examined the interior buildings and enjoyed 

 the fine view of the Bass Eock and the Firth of Forth which can 

 be obtained from many points within the curtain-walls. In the 

 course of their survey they noted the station on the cliff for 

 Lepidinm latifoHum, and were shown by two members who had 

 joined the party from North Berwick specimens of Sileue nocti- 

 jiora and Atviplex laciniata gathered by them earlier in the day. 

 The time-table allowed of only an hour's ramble about the 

 Castle, so that at two o'clock the return journey was begun, 

 the course being slightly varied so as to include a visit to the 

 church of St. Mary at Whitekirk, and the grounds of Smeaton- 

 Hepburn. The former possesses a peculiar interest for the 

 antiquarian not only in respect of its history, but also of its 

 being the modern place of worship for three ancient parishes — 



Auldhame, Tyninghame and Hamer. The oldest 

 Whitekirk. of these was Auldhame. situated near Tantallon, 



of whose priory remains are still to be seen, 

 though its village and records have disappeared. The church 

 of Tyninghame is represented by two 12th century arches still in 

 good preservation within the demesne of the Earl of Hadding- 

 ton. The church of Hamer or Fairknowe has been merged in 

 that of Whitekirk, whose venerable outline, comprising a low 

 square tower, massive buttresses, and chaste entrance porch, 

 bespeak a remote antiquity. Dedicated to Our Lady and endowed 

 with costly gems, it is said to have excited the cupidity of an 



* Castellated and Domestic Architectare of Scotland, Vol. i., 

 pp. 429-435. 



