House of Hackett
Pitfirrane Policy
Ron's 10 x Great Grandfather was Andrew of Pitfirrane, Crossford, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland who was born about 1561. This correlates with the surname HALKETT, a known variation of HACKETT. His son, John became an important Bishop in the Anglican Church and likely changed the spelling of his surname to conform to English society. Andrew's father was probably named Patrick, and his father may have been Robert. If Ron can confirm this connection, then the family name can be traced to 1360.
The magnificent Pitfirrane House, historic home of the HALKETT family since the 15th century, became the clubhouse for the Dunfermline Golf Club in 1953. According to the club's website, “the building is also spectacular inside with its medieval woodwork, Flemish stained glass and ornate plaster ceiling in the dining room. The building has changed shape over the centuries. In 1583 the turret staircase was built and the top story added to replace the fortified walls. In the late 19th century a further extension was built but then demolished in the 1980s as it was beyond repair. The most modern extension was built to provide facilities for members and visitors. The pro-shop was built in the same style as the main building.”
Archaeology Notes
Pitfirrane Castle, a composite structure, consists of a 15th century tower house, 30 3/4' N-S by 53', which was heightened in 1583, when a new wing was built to the S. In the late 17th century, a further large addition, four storeys in height, was made on the E tower and wing. A "yett", probably dating from 1583, has been set up across the path leading to the gardens. There is late 16th century sundial on the lawn SW of the mansion.
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) 1933
The name occurs as "Petfurnane" in a charter of 1437, and as several charters of this period were signed "apud Petfurnane", there must have been a mansion on the estate at that time.
A H Millar 1895.
Pitfirrane is a large mansion, as described by the RCAHMS, to which a number of 19th century additions have been made. It is now the Dunfermline Golf Club House. The sundial has been removed.
https://canmore.org.uk/site/49343/pitfirrane-castle
The Weekly Scotsman published a full-page article about this house on Saturday, December 10, 1932 on page 10. Thomas Hannan wrote the article entitled, Pitfirrane House: Notable Ancient Fife Residence.
Photos
