Description

Original centre block circa 1740, substantial flanking wings
and alterations 1792, R and J Adam. 3-storey and basement
pavilions; 2-storey, basement and attic centre. U-plan
classical mansion. Red sandstone, squared rubble to S (rear)
and W elevations; rendered E side and ashlar N front. Ashlar
dressings and projecting cill and band courses defining
ground and 2nd floor levels. 12-pane glazing pattern. Slate
roof with ashlar stacks.
N ENTRANCE FRONT: 7-bay central block advanced centre 3 bays
spanning basement recess; semi-circular portico adjoining
enclosing steps, massive Ionic columns and paterae frieze.
Balustrade with blank panels continued over portico and
recessed flanks. Semi-circular arched doorway, decorative
fanlight and panelled double doors. Boldly advanced,
pedimented, 3-bay, flanking pavilions. Arched recess at
centres, each enclosing tripartite window and 12-pane sash
window above. Dentil cornice.
S ELEVATION TO HIGH STREET: 2-storey 7-bay centre, set back
with advanced 3 central bays with arched recess enclosing
window and blind balustrade. Fluted and paterae frieze,
balustrade and parapet raised at centre, supporting winged
sphinx figure. Advanced, pedimented 3-bays at ends; ground
floor windows of W bays heightened.
E ELEVATION: altered for military accommodation; hollow well
behind full-height archway at centre bridged by balconies
with iron railings.
INTERIOR: little of original remaining. Dentilled
plasterwork; dado rail, classical timber fireplace in hall.
Stone stair; cast-iron balustrade and wooden rail.

Statement of Interest

Original commission by Captain James Fall MP, Merchant Prince of Dunbar. Sold by Robert Fall in 1788 for financial reasons to James, 8th Earl of Lauderdale. 1792 plans drawn after Adam's death; probably designed by his office. Substantial extension and alterations: street front closed and flight of steps removed. 1859 taken by the Government for the Haddingtonshire Militia. Sited by Castle Park, where additional barracks were built in 1911. Lauderdale House was used as army accommodation during the First World War. Late example of siting of large mansion in a town.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Dunbar, Victoria Street, Lauderdale House at Wikipedia
• Wikidata Q17569213

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

Recommended Books

• 
  Maintaining and Repairing Old Houses: A Guide to Conservation, Sustainability and Economy
• 
  Wiltshire (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Cumbria: Cumberland, Westmorland and Furness (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Somerset: North and Bristol: The Buildings of England (Pevsner Architectural Guides) (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  London 1: The City of London: City of London v. 1 (Pevsner Architectural Guides: Buildings of England)
• 
  Bristol (Pevsner Architectural Guides: City Guides)