'Rare' contents of Scottish stately home to be auctioned off as house sold for first time in 250 years

The "rare" contents of a Scottish stately home which was on the site of an historical seat of Clan Maxwell is to be auctioned off as the house is sold for the first time in more than 250 years.

The contents of Monreith House - including a sword used by Lord Maxwell in a 16th century clan battle and the wooden finger of a member of the family who lost hers in a cart accident as a teenager - is to be put up for auction by Bonhams in two sales this summer.

The Georgian house, commissioned in 1791 by Sir William Maxwell, 4th Baronet, was designed by the architect Alexander Stevens. Located in Wigtownshire, it replaced the earlier Myrton Castle, elements of which were incorporated into the new structure, linking the site’s medieval past with its classical redesign.

The house is closely tied to the Maxwell family, a prominent Scottish lineage whose history stretches back to the 12th century and includes titles such as the barony of Caerlaverock.

The sale will mean that for the first time since Edward, the founding Maxwell, established his branch of the family around Monreith nearly 550 years ago, his direct descendants no longer live there.

The Myrton Castle Suite. A George III carved giltwood suite to include a pair of sofas and a pair of armchairs. | Bonhams

Dr Nicholas Courtney, author and longstanding friend of the late Sir Michael Maxwell, who died in December 2021, said: “There can be few houses like Monreith, along with its historic contents, that have been sold for the first time in 250 years – and the estate a hundred years before that.

“However, the motto of the Maxwells of Monreith is Reviresco, which translates as ‘I am renewed’, exemplifying the endurance of the family.”

Monreith House and Estate has recently sold, with Savills estage agents marketing the property for offers over £1.89m.

Over generations, members of the Monreith branch have played notable roles in political, military, and literary life. Among them are Sir Herbert Maxwell, a Member of Parliament and accomplished author, and Gavin Maxwell, the celebrated naturalist best known for Ring of Bright Water.

Attributed to John Wasdail (James Warsdale) (English, 1692-1767) Portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie. | Bonhams

The contents reflect the house’s rich history, bringing together Old Master paintings, Scottish and English furniture, works of art and sculpture, arms and armour, and carpets, alongside a range of “deeply personal objects” that only survive in houses with long, uninterrupted family ownership.

One object is the artificial wooden finger of Lady Jane Gordon, Duchess of Gordon née Maxwell. Preserved with a letter recounting its story, Lady Jane reportedly had a nasty accident as a 14-year-old and got her finger jammed in the wheel of a cart as it moved away.

Meanwhile, a rare mid-16th century two-hand sword reputed to have been wielded by the Lord Maxwell at the Battle of Dryfe Sands, the final and most decisive clash in a century long feud between Clan Maxwell and Clan Johnstone, is estimated at £6,000 to £8,000. The collection also includes a portrait of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

Monreith House | Bonhams

Charlie Thomas, director, UK and Europe house sales, private and iconic collections, and furniture at Bonhams, said: “Monreith House offers a rare glimpse into a collection that has evolved organically over generations. From objects tied to pivotal historical moments to quietly personal items, the sale reflects the richness and individuality that only a long-held family collection can achieve.

“Collections of this calibre and coherence rarely come to market. The contents of Monreith House combine historical importance, craftsmanship, and personal history, creating a compelling sale that we expect will resonate strongly with collectors across multiple categories.”

The Contents of Monreith House: A Historical Seat of Clan Maxwell will take place in two sales in Bonhams Edinburgh Saleroom. Part one is a live auction taking place on 8 July, while part two will be offered as an online auction open for bidding starting on 25 June and ending from 11am on 9 July.