REPORT OF TiSE MEETINGS POR 1900 237 



which was so much admired was erected by George, 

 Lord Seton, and this building appears to have been 

 erected in the Elizabethan style of architecture, similar 

 to Winton House and Heriot's Hospital. Seton Castle was 

 frequently the residence of royalty, having been occupied by 

 Mary (Queen of Scots), James YI., and Charles I. It was 

 in East Lothian that the Setons first appeared as a family. 



In 1124 De Sayton or Seton obtained grants of land in 

 East Lothian, the family becoming more and more powerful 

 in the battlefield, as well as in the more intricate paths of 

 statecraft. They were always a loyal race, true to their 

 King and Queen. When Mary escaped from Loch Leven, 

 one of the first barons to join her was George, seventh Lord 

 Seton, who paid the penalty of his chivalrous loyalty by 

 being exiled ; and it was the same steadfast adherence to 

 the JKoyal House of Stuart which produced the downfall of 

 the family in 1715. The then Earl of Winton threw in his 

 fortunes with those of the dis-crowned king, and paid the 

 penalty of his rebellion by the entire confiscation of his 

 extensive estates. 



As time is ever on the wing, the next move was made 

 for Gosford, the seat of the Earl of Wemyss and March. 

 After a beautiful drive, the grounds were entered by the 

 west lodge, a building of strange and striking design. This 

 lodge was designed by the eminent artist and architect, the 

 late Mr E. W. Billings, author of the "Baronial Antiquities 

 of Scotland." The lodge is sometimes called "Billingsgate," 

 after the architect. The park and policies are most beautifully 

 laid out, and designed so as not to have any fences in view. 

 The landscape gardening has been most tastefully carried 

 out, with clumps of trees here and there. After a drive of 

 a couple of miles or so, the mansion of Gosford appeared in 

 view, and it may well be named the palace of East Lothian. 

 The extent of the house is palatial. The building was 

 originally designed by the Brothers Adam, and latterly was 

 considerably enlarged and beautified by William Young, 

 Esq., architect, London. 



The company were received by the Earl of Wemyss and 

 March, who personally conducted them through the beautiful 

 loggia, staircase, hall, dining rooms, drawing rooms, business 



