Shandon, a place in Row parish, Dumbartonshire, on the E shore of the Gare Loch, 4½ to 5½ miles NW of Helensburgh. It has a Free church, a steamboat pier, and a post and telegraph office under Helensburgh. Its name (Gael. sean-dun,' old fortress') is derived from the 'Old Dun,' traces of which are still visible. West Shandon, a fine Elizabethan edifice of two stories, with a lofty turreted tower, was commenced in 1851 as the seat of Robert Napier, Esq. (1791-1876), the great marine engineer. After his death its splendid collection of art treasures was sold in London; and the mansion itself was converted into a hydropathic establishment, being enlarged by the addition of Turkish and swimming baths, etc. The grounds are of great beauty, with their winter garden and artificial ponds, and the view from the house is singularly fine.Ord. Sur., sh. 30, 1866.
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