Caerlaverock Castle Is The Most Beautiful Mysterious Castle In Scotland

Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

Introduction

Caerlaverock Fortress was originally constructed as a moated triangle castle in the 13th century. It sits on a wetland environment in the vicinity of Dumfries, in southern Scotland. As early as the 1220s, this area was protected by a wooden tower. The existing stone castle was constructed by Sir Eustace Maxwell in the year 1280. During the Wars of Scottish Independence, it was besieged by English forces. The Maxwell family has lived at the castle for many centuries. Following his death in 1753, the last laird of the Maxwell clan, Caerlaverock was left to his nephew. This ancient structure has been handed down through the generations since then.

Video of the Castle

Caerlaverock Castle

Introduction

The south bank of the River Cree is home to Caerlaverock Castle. It’s close to the A75 and just around 4 miles from Dumfries. It was constructed in 1388 by Sir Robert Boyd for King Robert II, who granted him permission to add the crenellations to his residence the next year.

Over a century’s worth of big cannons, from 1378 to 1544, are among the castle’s collection of mediaeval weaponry and military equipment. Armor worn by Robert the Bruce (1304), James IV (1485-1513), and other notables may be found in the castle’s magnificent collection of armouries (1510). There are two full suits of armour and shields on exhibit, one of which was created especially ornately for King James I.

The triangular Caerlaverock Castle, in a moat, may be seen on the southern coast of Scotland. It was constructed on a swampy plot of land in the 13th century by Sir Eustace Maxwell. This castle is both ancient and well-preserved, making it a top contender for the title of “greatest mediaeval fortification in Britain.”

There are two major towers in this castle that served both defensive and residential functions.

13th Century

Castle Caerlaverock (or Caerlau) is a Scottish fortress built in the 13th century and located close to Dumfries. Edward I of England had it erected after he had already conquered Scotland. The castle’s three towers are known as the Inner Ward (where the king and queen live) the Middle Ward (where the chapel is located), and the Outer Ward.

Caerlaverock Castle was constructed by its builders on a wetland location and moat. In the 1220s, the fortress was referred to as a “earthwork.” This points to a timber tower and an earthen foundation as the building’s initial materials.

As early as the 1220s, this area was protected by a wooden tower. Caerlaverock’s later iteration included a triangle layout with turrets at each corner and a drawbridge-protected entrance (one of which still survives).

The existing stone castle was constructed by Sir Eustace Maxwell in the year 1280. Multiple battles between Scots and English took place in the ancient fortress, notably Robert the Bruce’s epic raid on May 20th, 1307. Around six thousand English soldiers were stationed at Caerlaverock Castle when King Edward II of England laid siege to it in 1314. But after just three days of warfare, with little food left for either his soldiers or horses, Edward’s army fled in defeat.

During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the stronghold of Caerlaverock was under siege by English forces. John Hastings, a nobleman from England whom Edward I had given land in Scotland, commanded the assaults. After capturing Caerlaverock and Galloway Castle in 1297, he launched attacks on additional fortifications straddling the boundary between England and Scotland.

18th Century

The Maxwell family has lived at the castle for many centuries. Successive generations of the family used it as a means of passing wealth and status from one generation to the next. After the death of the last Maxwell laird in 1753, his nephew inherited Caerlaverock.

After Maxwell laird’s death in 1753, his nephew Archibald Douglas inherited Caerlaverock. Since he wed a Maxwell heiress, his family’s control of the castle was certain to continue within the Maxwell line.

Alternating Hands

The ownership of Caerlaverock Castle has shifted from one family to the next throughout the centuries. The Maxwell family has held the castle since 1557, when they first bought it. Despite the fact that Caerlaverock Castle is a private house, the Maxwells, who are noted for their kindness, open their doors to guests every summer.

Lord John de Menteith of Scotland served in the Scottish Parliament. Furthermore, he was an ardent fan of the English monarch Edward I, who had visited Scotland in 1296. William Wallace was arrested by John de Menteith at Robroyston, close to Glasgow, in 1305. This was during the height of Wallace’s insurrection.

After purchasing it in 1640, Sir Robert Spottiswoode named it his home. Following his service to Cromwell’s Commonwealth as President of the ‘Council of State,’ he was appointed Lord Chancellor of Scotland by King Charles II.

In 1598, Scotland gave birth to a prominent legal mind and political figure: Sir Robert Spottiswoode. The St. Andrews University graduate served as Lord President (Chief Justice) of the Court of Session from 1656 until his death in 1674. From 1660 until his death in 1685, he served as Lord Chancellor and presided over the Committee for Union with England.

Defensive Style

This triangle formation makes for an excellent defensive stance. Caerlaverock Castle resembles an arrowhead, with its tip pointing inland and its triangular base pointing out to sea. The star fort design, popular in mediaeval England, is impregnable from every direction of assault. This includes landward (from the exterior), seaward (from boats), and aerial (enemy using siege engines). Because of this, defenders don’t have far to go when things become hazardous, and they can move swiftly from one side of the castle to the other if they need to fight against various assaults at different times during a siege attack on their castle.

Caerlaverock Castle Wetland

Introduction

A wetland is a kind of ecosystem where land and water blend into one another. Wetlands are areas where the ground is constantly or seasonally saturated with water, giving rise to a unique ecology. Swamps, marshes, and bogs are all examples of wetlands.

The wetland ecosystem is vital because it provides a home for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Although birds are the first thing that come to mind when you mention wetlands, there are really many more species of animals and plants that call these habitats home. Plants in wetlands don’t absorb nutrients via their leaves as trees do, but rather through their deep, underground roots. Wetland-dwelling animals have unique challenges, such as swimming pools full of algae (the brilliant green material you occasionally see coming out from beneath rocks), which makes it difficult for them to breathe properly if they jump in without first wearing goggles.

The Wetlands

Wildlife

Wildlife such as barn owls, red squirrels, and buzzards make the castle their home. Over the course of the last 90 years, ospreys have returned year after year to nest atop the castle walls. As a fish-eating bird of prey, they are capable of hunting both in the air and on the ground. Due to the scarcity of suitable habitat, the Osprey is one of just three species of seabirds.

Buzzard

The site is also a great spot for birdwatchers, since it is in the middle of the main path used by the Golden Eagle as it migrates across Scotland. Due to the abundance of majestic raptors in the region, it is sometimes referred to as the “Golden Mile.” During their yearly migration from their summer breeding sites in Scandinavia to their wintering habitats in Africa, they pass directly above Caerlaverock Castle.

Across the globe, wetlands like the one at Caerlaverock Castle are highly valued. Situated in an area of remarkable natural beauty, the property has also been declared as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (AONB).

If a place has been given the SSSI classification, it is because of the significance of the wildlife, flora, or geological characteristics found there.

A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has been recognised for its exceptional scenic value.

Caerlaverock Castle – The Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed reading about the history of Caerlaverock Castle in this post. The history of this castle is fascinating, and it also happens to be one of the most stunning structures in all of Scotland. Because of the castle’s proximity to a wetland, it’s also an excellent spot for seeing a variety of birds. Caerlaverock Castle should be at the top of your list of things to do if you ever find yourself in the vicinity.