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The Ardgrain Name

From its earliest Celtic origins, the name Ardgrain has slowly evolved over time while remaining easily recognisable and totally unique

 

Celtic Origins

The name Ardgrain has gradually evolved and changed in spelling over the past centuries. With few people able to write, many references to Ardgrain were transcribed from word of mouth, and local accents and changing dialects have played a part in the various spellings.

The Ardgrain name itself has strong Celtic origins. The Celtic word for hill, point or store is 'ard' and Ardgrain is thought to mean either grain point, grain store or grain hill.

The hill behind the house is now known as "Hill of Ardgrain" on maps. Later houses were built near Ardgrain, and Ardgrain eventually became known as Nether (or lower) Ardgrain as neighbouring houses were named Upper Ardgrain and North Ardgrain.

Hill of ArdgrainHill of Ardgrain

The Evolution of 'Nether Ardgrain'

 

Popular Ardgrain history articles:

Aberdeen to Fraserburgh Road

The road that leads to Ardgrain was once the main Aberdeen to Fraserburgh route, which passed through the market town of Ellon before winding its way northwards

The main Fraserburgh road would have been a prominent position to site a Baronial house like Ardgrain, commanding views down the hill towards Ellon and beyond. Centuries after Ardgrain was built, a new road was to Fraserburgh was constructed, a few miles away.  Read more » 

Virgil Quotation and Ardgrain Motto

Discover why a quote from the Roman poet and author, Virgil, was carved above the Ardgrain doors

 

The Virgil Quote

Carved into a weathered stone, directly above the main double doors at Ardgrain, is a quotation taken from the classical Roman poet and author, Virgil.  Read more » 

Ardgrain Texts

Fascinating extracts from charters and texts of an Ardgrain centuries ago 

As a Feudal Barony, events surrounding Ardgrain were often documented in texts, charters and other important documents.

Many of these Ardgrain texts still exist, but remain hidden within dusty volumes or in private collections. Occasionally when researching the history of Ardgrain we come across interesting snippets of text which offer a glimpse into Ardgrains past.  Read more »