Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle is a 13th-century triangular moated castle in the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve area at the Solway Firth, south of Dumfries in the south west of Scotland. In the Middle Ages it was owned by the Maxwell family. Today, the castle is in the care of Historic Scotland and is a popular tourist attraction and wedding venue.

Ownership

The history of its builders can be traced to Undwin and his son Maccus in the eleventh century; Maccus gave his name to the barony of Maccuswell, or Maxwell. His grandson, John de Maccuswell (d.1241), was first Lord Maxwell of Caerlaverock. The Baronies of Maxwell and Caerlaverock then passed down through the male line, sometimes collaterally. Robert de Maxwell of Maxwell, Caerlaverock and Mearns (d.1409) rebuilt Caerlaverock castle and was succeeded by Herbert Maxwell of Caerlaverock (d.1420) who married Katherine Stewart.

Early History

Being very close to the border with England, it had to be defended several times against English forces. One such occasion was the Siege of Caerlaverock of 1300 by Edward I of England who had eighty seven of the most illustrious Barons of England in his host, including knights of Bretagne and Lorraine. The Maxwells, under their gallant chief, made a vigorous defence, showering upon their assailants such heavy missiles that they retired time and again; but in the end the garrison were compelled to surrender, when it was found that there were only sixty men all told, and that they had defied the whole English army for a considerable period. In recent years, Historic Scotland has organised re-enactments of the Siege.

Possession of the castle was subsequently restored to Sir Eustace Maxwell, Sir Herbert's son, who at first embraced the cause of John Baliol, and in 1312 received from Edward I an allowance of £20 for the more secure keeping of the castle. He afterwards gave in his adherence to Robert Bruce, and his castle, in consequence, underwent a second siege by the English, in which they were unsuccessful.

But fearing that this important stronghold might ultimately fall into the hands of the enemy, and enable them to make good their hold on the district, Sir Eustace dismantled the fortress, a service and sacrifice for which he was liberally rewarded by Robert Bruce.

Later History

After a siege in 1640 that pitted the steadfast Catholic Maxwells against angry Protestant factions, the castle was permanently abandoned. During the battle the south wall and tower were demolished and remain so to this day.

Modern History

About 2 miles to the east is the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Reserve WWT Caerlaverock. Both the Castle and the WWT reserve are within the Caerlaverock NNR, a National Nature Reserve in the care of Scottish Natural Heritage.

References

External links

Listed in the following categories:
Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By:
Samantha Oakley
29 August 2012
Good playground for kids as well as the castle to explore.
Katya Ilina
7 April 2012
Picturesque 14th century Scottish castle ruined by evil English. Plus lovely cows, horses, hills and fresh air.
Load more comments
foursquare.com
7.5/10
4,268 people have been here

Hotels nearby

See all hotels See all
Comlongon Castle

starting $259

Holiday Inn Dumfries

starting $169

Premier Inn Dumfries

starting $76

Caledonian Hotel

starting $90

The Cairndale Hotel & Leisure Club

starting $107

Best Western Station Hotel

starting $91

Recommended sights nearby

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Ruthwell Cross

The Ruthwell Cross (Scottish Gaelic pronunciation: ]) is a stone

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Comlongon Castle

Comlongon Castle is a tower house dating from the 15th century. It is

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Hoddom Castle

Hoddom Castle is a large tower house in Dumfries and Galloway, south

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
River Annan

The River Annan (Uisge Annan in Gaelic) is a river in southwest

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Friar's Carse

Friars' Carse is a B-listed mansion house situated (NX 926 850) 2 km

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Glenkiln Sculpture Park

Glenkiln Sculpture Park is a sculpture landscape in Dumfries and

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Orchardton Tower

Orchardton Tower, is a ruined tower house in Dumfries and Galloway,

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Threave Castle

Threave (or Thrieve) Castle is situated on an island in the River Dee,

Similar tourist attractions

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Stirling Castle

Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Château d'If

The Château d'If is a fortress (later a prison) located on the island

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Lielvarde Castle

REDIRECT Lielvārde Castle

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Hoşap Castle

Hoşap Castle (Turkish: Hoşap kalesi) is a large medieval castle in t

See all similar places