Castles in Glasgow, Scotland: A Historic Adventure

Updated On: April 15, 2024 by   Aya Radwan

When leaping back through time to uncover the secrets of history, we find castles at the heart of every great city. These mighty structures serve multiple purposes, from protecting those living within it to instilling fear and grandeur in the hearts of those who dared come near. If you’re enchanted with the history of castles as we do, how about we take you on a novel experience to explore the castles in Glasgow together?

Glasgow is a dreamy Scottish city that boasts an impressive array of castles, each with a different architectural style. Each castle has a unique tale to tell, and every nook and cranny reverberates with whispers from epochs. The castles in Glasgow we’re about to venture through range from medieval strongholds to grand estates. Expect insights into their intriguing histories coupled with the allure of architecture that truly captures each distinct era’s essence.

Polish off those binoculars, dust off those walking boots and ready yourself for an unforgettable voyage through the ages!

Castles in Glasgow: Fortresses Standing Against Time

Although most are from medieval times, Glasgow’s castles represent different eras and architectural styles. These beautiful castles include Bothwell Castle, Crookston Castle, Dumbarton Castle, Craignethan Castle, Newark Castle, Balloch Castle, Strathaven Castle, Stirling Castle, Dundonald Castle, Doune Castle, and Blackness Castle.

Newark Castle

Near Glasgow on the south bank of the River Clyde in Port Glasgow, Newark Castle offers a unique blend of history and architectural beauty. Built in the late 15th century by the Maxwell family, the castle started as a simple tower house but underwent significant expansion throughout the 16th century.

Newark’s architectural style reflects a shift towards Renaissance ideals. The original tower, still visible, exemplifies the traditional Scottish tower house design. However, later additions showcase a more elegant aesthetic. Patrick Maxwell, a descendant of the founder, constructed a grand residential wing in the late 16th century. This section features red sandstone, projecting turrets, crow-stepped gables, and decorative details like cable mouldings – all hallmarks of Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

Newark Castle’s historical significance is transforming from a defensive structure to a comfortable residence. It represents the Maxwell family’s growing power and changing priorities during relative peace. Today, the well-preserved castle offers visitors a glimpse into a bygone era, showcasing the evolution of architectural styles and the lives of the Scottish nobility.

Balloch Castle

Balloch Castle is a beautiful castle located near Glasgow, Scotland. It sits on the southern shores of Loch Lomond and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The castle was built in the 19th century and has an impressive Gothic architectural style. It is surrounded by expansive gardens and parkland, making it a perfect destination for a trip out of the buzzing city.

Balloch Castle boasts a two-part history. The original structure, built around 1238, served as the medieval home of the Lennox Earls until the late 14th century. Its remains are now just earthworks near Loch Lomond. The current Balloch Castle, a 19th-century mansion built in the Tudor Gothic style, stands on the same estate. Constructed by John Buchanan of Ardoch, it may even incorporate stone from the earlier castle. Pointed arches, half-timbering, and prominent chimneys showcase the architectural trends of the 1800s.

Strathaven Castle

Standing in the heart of Strathaven, South Lanarkshire, Strathaven Castle (also known as Avondale Castle) offers a window into the region’s turbulent history. Its origins remain unclear, but estimates suggest the Baird family began construction around the 1350s.

The architectural style reflects a mix of defensive practicality and potential later additions. The core comprises a three-story rectangular block with a round tower at the northwest corner, hinting at its medieval origins. Traces of a square wing on the southeast suggest potential expansion. Though ravaged by a sacking after 1455, the Hamilton family occupied the castle until the early 18th century.

Strathaven Castle’s historical significance lies in its connection to local power struggles and its role as a residence for influential figures. The castle endured a period of unrest before falling under the control of the Marquis of Hamilton. Eventually, it housed Anne, Duchess of Hamilton, until her death in 1716. Today, the ruined castle, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is a testament to the area’s rich past.

Bothwell Castle

Bothwell Castle, a formidable 13th-century fortress, stands on the banks of the River Clyde southeast of Glasgow. Clan Murray began construction to control this strategic crossing point. The massive cylindrical donjon, a remnant of the early phase, witnessed the brunt of sieges during Scotland’s Wars of Independence. Edward I of England besieged the castle in 1301.

The castle changed hands throughout the wars, with the Black Douglases adding their architectural mark in the 15th century. Their renovations included an impressive Great Hall, highlighting the castle’s grandeur. Bothwell’s rectangular footprint reflects these expansions, with the donjon standing guard to the west and the Great Hall to the east. Long curtain walls with round towers at the corners further secured the complex.

Bothwell’s historical significance lies in its role as a resilient guardian during Scotland’s fight for independence. Today, the ruined castle offers a glimpse into this turbulent past and the architectural prowess of the era. While visitors cannot enter the Donjon or Great Hall, exploring the courtyard and surrounding grounds allows them to imagine the power and drama within these walls.

Stirling Castle

While Stirling Castle isn’t located directly within Glasgow, its proximity and historical significance make it a noteworthy inclusion. Perched atop Castle Hill, Stirling boasts a long and dramatic history. Construction likely began in the early 12th century, with significant additions throughout the following centuries.

The architectural style reflects the castle’s evolution. The core includes a medieval core, with the imposing early 16th-century Palace known for its Renaissance detailing. Defensive elements like curtain walls, gatehouses, and a formidable outer wall showcase its strategic importance. Stirling’s Parliament House, built in the late 16th century, is a rare example of secular Renaissance architecture in Scotland.

Stirling Castle’s historical significance is undeniable. It was a royal residence for centuries, witnessing pivotal moments like the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots. The castle’s strong fortifications also played a crucial role in Scotland’s Wars of Independence, most notably the victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Today, Stirling Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a captivating reminder of Scotland’s rich history.

Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle, a sentinel perched atop a volcanic plug overlooking the confluence of the Clyde and Leven rivers, boasts the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. Archaeological evidence suggests a strategic settlement existed here as early as the Iron Age.

The dramatic volcanic rock Dumbarton Rock itself played a crucial role in the castle’s design. Early fortifications likely utilised the rock’s natural defences. Over centuries, a complex of structures emerged, reflecting different architectural styles. The 12th-century Wallace Tower, a square-plan keep, is a reminder of medieval might. Later additions include 17th and 18th-century buildings like a governor’s house and gun batteries, reflecting the castle’s adaptation to changing warfare.

Dumbarton Castle’s historical significance is undeniable. It served as the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde and witnessed pivotal moments in Scottish history. It endured sieges during the Rough Wooing War and housed Mary, Queen of Scots, before her departure to France. The castle’s changing architecture narrates the story of Scotland’s evolution, making it a captivating link to the nation’s past.

Dundonald Castle

Though currently a ruin, Dundonald Castle in South Ayrshire, near Glasgow, holds historical significance as the ancestral seat of the Cochrane family, who rose to prominence in Scottish history. Built around the 14th century, the castle’s exact origins are uncertain, but archaeological evidence suggests it served as a fortified residence.

The architectural style likely reflected a typical Scottish tower house. These structures prioritised defence, featuring a central tower with thick walls and few windows. Dwellings and storage areas would have occupied the lower floors, with a lookout point at the top. While the castle’s plan remains unknown, its ruined state hints at a rectangular footprint, potentially with an adjoining courtyard.

Dundonald Castle’s importance lies in its connection to the Cochrane family. Though not their most opulent residence, it was their base for centuries. Notable figures emerged from the Cochrane lineage, including the Earls of Dundonald and Admiral Thomas Cochrane, a celebrated naval commander. The castle’s decline began in the 18th century, and today, its ruins stand as a reminder of the Cochrane family’s long history in the region.

Craignethan Castle

While not located directly within Glasgow city limits, Craignethan Castle holds historical significance for the surrounding area. Constrcuted in the mid-16th century by Sir James Hamilton, Craignethan is a pioneering example of an artillery fortification in Scotland. Its design reflects a shift in defensive strategies from traditional tower houses to structures designed to withstand cannon fire.

Craignethan’s architectural style is unique. The central feature is a rectangular tower house, but the real innovation lies in the surrounding defences. A deep ditch encircles the castle, with a caponier – a rare vaulted chamber built into the ditch – allowing defenders to fire upon attackers from a concealed position. Earthen ramparts further strengthened the castle’s most vulnerable western flank.

Craignethan’s historical significance lies in its forward-thinking design. Though never fully tested in battle, it represents a crucial step in Scottish military architecture. Today, the ruined castle offers a glimpse into this innovative approach to defence and serves as a reminder of the region’s role in Scotland’s military history.

Doune Castle

Doune Castle, a short distance from Glasgow, is a formidable example of late medieval Scottish architecture. Built in the 13th century by Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany, the castle’s design prioritised strength and security. Doune’s architectural style is distinctly military. The rectangular form features thick curtain walls, round corner towers, and a gatehouse with a drawbridge – all designed to withstand attack.

The interior revolves around a central courtyard, with public rooms like a great hall on the upper floors and storage areas below. Arrow slits and machicolations (openings in the parapet allowing for defensive fire) further enhanced the castle’s defensive capabilities.

Doune Castle had a role as a strategic stronghold during a turbulent period in Scottish history. Its near-impregnable design allowed it to remain unconquered throughout its active history. The castle briefly housed Mary, Queen of Scots and later served as a government garrison. Today, Doune Castle, in remarkable condition, offers visitors a glimpse into late medieval Scottish defences and the power struggles of the era. Doune Castle has also gained fame for its appearances in popular films such as Monty Python and the Holy Grail, making it particularly exciting for movie enthusiasts.

Crookston Castle

Nestled on a hill overlooking the Levern Water, Crookston Castle boasts a unique design and rich history in Glasgow. Built around 1400 by the Stewarts of Darnley, the castle stands within an earlier 12th-century earthwork enclosure. This unusual combination reflects the evolution of defensive strategies in Scotland.

Crookston’s most striking feature is its central tower, surrounded by four square corner towers, forming an irregular “X-plan” layout rarely seen in Scotland. This strategic design offered a strong defence from all angles. Public rooms were likely in the central block, while the corner towers housed essential functions like storage, kitchens, and living quarters.

The castle held historical significance for the Stewarts, who later became Earls of Lennox. It may have even played a role in the love story of Mary, Queen of Scots, as legend suggests her betrothal to Henry Darnley took place here. Though damaged in a 15th-century siege, Crookston endured throughout the centuries. Today, the ruined castle, particularly the well-preserved northeast tower, offers stunning views and testament to the area’s rich past.

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle, a mighty 15th-century fortress, stands near the village of Blackness, Scotland, on the south shore of the Firth of Forth. Built in the mid-1440s by Sir George Crichton, a powerful Scottish noble, the castle initially served as a lordly residence.

Blackness Castle’s architectural style showcases a unique appearance. Its medieval design pairs with its iron-rich stone construction to create a formidable fortress. Innovative gun batteries were incorporated into the design, reflecting the growing importance of artillery. The triangular courtyard and round corner towers further strengthened the castle’s defences.

Blackness Castle’s historical significance lies in its strategic military outpost and state prison role. It came under royal control in the mid-15th century and housed many important prisoners, including Mary, Queen of Scots, for a brief period. Today, Blackness Castle stands as a well-preserved monument, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland’s military history and its role in the power struggles of the Renaissance era.

Cathcart Castle

Within the grounds of Linn Park in Glasgow lies a reminder of the city’s medieval past – Cathcart Castle. Built around 1450 by the Cathcart family, the castle served as their hereditary seat for nearly a century.

The architectural style leaned towards the typical Scottish tower house. A central rectangular tower, likely four or five stories tall, formed the core. A curtain wall with round corner towers may have been added later, enclosing a small courtyard around the central tower. This design prioritised defence, with limited windows and a focus on controlling access points.

Cathcart Castle’s historical significance lies in its connection to the Cathcart family, who played a role in the local power dynamics. However, the castle’s prominence waned after the Cathcarts sold it in the 16th century. Abandoned in the 18th century, the remaining structures deteriorated further. Today, only the foundations of the tower house are visible, offering a glimpse into Glasgow’s medieval past.

Haggs Castle

Haggs Castle, nestled within Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park, boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century. Built by the Maxwell family, the castle served as their residence for generations. Construction likely began around 1585, with the date inscribed above the entrance door.

Haggs Castle’s architectural style reflects a variation of the Scottish tower house. Unlike the typical rectangular form, it features a distinctive L-plan design. This layout provided additional living space and potentially improved defensive capabilities. The main block likely housed private chambers and a hall, while a smaller wing may have contained service areas. Decorative elements like cable-moulded string courses and carved details around the entrance showcase a touch of Renaissance influence.

The historical significance of this castle in Glasgow lies in its role as a residence for a prominent local family. However, it wasn’t a major stronghold. Abandoned in the 18th century, the castle fell into disrepair. Fortunately, it underwent restoration efforts in the 19th century and remains occupied as a private residence today. While not publicly accessible, Haggs Castle stands as a reminder of Glasgow’s architectural heritage and the area’s landed gentry.

Bishop’s Castle (Glasgow Castle)

Glasgow’s history boasts a forgotten castle – the Bishop’s Castle, also known as the Glasgow Castle or Archbishop’s Palace. Erected in the 12th century southwest of Glasgow Cathedral, it served as the residence of the city’s Archbishops for centuries.

The architectural style of this castle in Glasgow likely evolved. Early records suggest a central tower, possibly a keep, formed the core. Later additions may have included a grand hall and surrounding buildings, hinting at a more elaborate complex. A defensive ditch and drawbridge likely secured the perimeter. Unfortunately, no detailed plans or descriptions of the castle’s exact appearance exist.

The Bishop’s Castle held historical significance as a centre of religious and political power in medieval Glasgow. It housed the Archbishops and witnessed key events. However, following the Reformation in the 16th century, the castle fell into decline. Used as a quarry in the 18th century, it was eventually demolished in 1789 to make way for the Royal Infirmary. Today, only a commemorative stone marks the former site, offering a reminder of this vanished Glasgow landmark.

We hope your journey with us through these impressive strongholds in and around Glasgow has been exciting. Exploring old castles, whether they still stand against time or have fallen to ruins due to wars and neglect, fills us with admiration and appreciation for times long gone.