The Entrance Facade of the second house from a 1921 photograph
The entrance hall in the second house from "The Practical Exemplar of Architecture," circa 1920.
The entrance hall in the second house from "The Practical Exemplar of Architecture," circa 1920.
The entrance hall, with staircase, from a 1922 photograph.
The drawing room fire surround from a 1922 photograph
Earlier Houses: The current house incorporates, in its west wing, the ground floor of an earlier 16th century house.
Built / Designed For: James Somerville, 13th Lord Somerville.
House & Family History: The 13th Lord Somerville, who built The Drum, was described, according to Charles Rogers in "Boswelliana," as a "nobleman of singular urbanity and considerable literary culture."
Garden & Outbuildings: Between 1756 and 1866 the Edinburgh Mercat Cross was located at The Drum. The Cross was removed from High Street in 1756 and re-erected in Parliament Square, next to St Giles' Cathedral, in 1866. A replica is now located near the Drum Stablelock.
Architect: William Adam Sr.
Date: 1726-34Vitruvius Scoticus: pls. 37-38.
Country Life: XXXVIII, 488 plan, 1915.
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Category A
Park Listed: Listed as a Garden & Designed Landscape
Current Seat / Home of: More-Nisbett family; here since 1862.
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: Hugh Somerville, 7th Lord Somerville, 16th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: James Somerville, 13th Lord Somerville, 18th century; Somerville family here from the 15th century until 1800. John More-Nisbett, 19th century; Hamilton More-Nisbett, 19th-20th centuries.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No