Balmoral Pyramids: memory in stone (9 photos)

In the picturesque forests surrounding the Scottish castle Balmoral in Royal Deeside, eleven mysterious stone pyramids are hidden among the centuries-old trees. They were erected by Queen Victoria as symbols of important moments in her life and in memory of her loved ones.





The central place among them is occupied by a majestic pyramid dedicated to her beloved husband, Prince Albert.

History of the Estate



Balmoral Castle

In 1852, Prince Albert purchased the Balmoral estate for Queen Victoria. However, the old castle did not suit the royal family's tastes, and Albert ordered the construction of a new residence nearby. While the work was underway, Victoria and her household continued to live in the old building. When the new castle was completed in 1856, the old one was torn down, leaving only a memorial stone at the site of its main entrance.





Pyramid in Honor of Prince Albert

Queen Victoria continued the tradition of immortalizing significant events in stone. The first such monument was the "Purchase Mound", marking the purchase of Balmoral. Then there were nine smaller pyramids - one for each of her children's weddings (except for Prince Alfred, whose absence remains a mystery).



“Purchase Pyramid”

But the most large-scale was the pyramid erected after the death of Prince Albert in 1861. The grandiose structure, 12.5 meters high, is decorated with the inscription: “In memory of beloved Albert, the great and kind Prince Consort. Erected by his inconsolable widow Victoria. August 21, 1862.”

Last Monuments and Legacy



After her husband's death, Victoria spent long periods of time at Balmoral, spending months there in seclusion. During this period, many memorials appeared on the estate. Even her faithful servant John Brown was honored with a mound, but the future King Edward VII, who had no sympathy for him, ordered it to be destroyed.



Today, Balmoral remains the private residence of the British royal family and does not belong to the state. Although the castle itself is closed to visitors, in the spring tourists can stroll through its magnificent gardens, preserving the memory of Queen Victoria's love and grief.





Pyramid of stones dedicated to the wedding of Princess Alice



Pyramid of stones dedicated to the wedding of Prince Arthur