posted 11-01-2002 04:05 AM         

This house, formerly known as Little Brighouse, is commandingly situated on a rocky eminence overlooking the Barbauchlaw Burn, about three miles north-west of Bathgate, in Torpichen parish. The building dates from three periods. The north-east portion is the original massively constructed early 16th century tower, to which has been added a lofty 17th century wing towards the south, with modern extensions set to the north-west. It is now inhabited and in good condition, although it was restored from a roofless ruin in the mid 19th century.
The original tower is an L-shaped structure containing three storeys beneath a parapet, and an attic storey above. The masonry is rubble with freestone dressings, and those of the windows that have not been enlarged have quirked edgeroll moulding. The parapet has been renewed in the 17th century, and is carried on continuous corbelling, the angles being provided with open rounds for defence. The wall is very narrow, and in order to allow passage round the projecting chimneystack at the east gable, the parapet has been slightly offset there on five individual corbels.
Internally the building has been entirely altered. The basement of the main block is vaulted and formerly contained the kitchen, which was transferred to the first floor of the addition in the 17th century. This was more convenient to the hall, which as usual was on the first floor, with private accommodation above. The old spiral stair that rose in the wing of the old tower has been removed and replaced by a more modern stair in the later work. The 17th century extension, which is not provided with a parapet, is four storeys and an attic in height, the ground and first floors both being vaulted. This is an unusual feature for a structure of so late a date.
The early 16th century tower belonged to James Stewart and Helen Sinclair. The lands of “Littell Brighous” with the fortalice, in the barony of Ogilface, were sold to William, Lord Livingstone, in 1587-88, by Alexander Stewart and his wife Elizabeth Hamilton. Bridge Castle seems to have been only a part of the larger barony of Ogilface, which had its own castle, now completely ruinous, nearby. The Livingstone family, once so powerful in West Lothian, became Earls of Linlithgow, but were forfeited for their share in the Jacobite Rising of 1715. The up-and-coming Hope family flourished in their place.

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