Introduction

This evening, I am reporting on Crookston Castle which sits in the Pollok area of Glasgow in S.W. Scotland. This is one of the few extant castles in the Glasgow region.

Information on the castle:Section 1

This medieval edifice now sits, somewhat incongruously, in a medium-density residential housing area.

A summary chronology of this castle is as follows:

• Around 1190 a wooden Motte and Bailey structure surrounded by a dry moat .This was built by a Norman named Robert de Croc whose surname was corrupted to Crookston .
• Transformed in 14th century from wood to stone by Sir John Stewart. Funds for construction were raised from ransoms obtained from a successful military adventure in France. (In medieval times war was a business as well as military adventure. Aristocrats were rarely killed but held prisoner pending conclusion of ransom negotiations.)
• Subjected to a siege in 1489 by King James IV. This was in context of a dispute with the holder, Earl of Lennox. The siege lasted one day due to the monarch’s superior weaponry. He bombarded the castle with the large cannon, Mons Meg , leading to a quick surrender. This item can be seen today on the battlements of Edinburgh Castle.

Information on the castle: Section 2

• Subjected to another siege in 1544. On this occasion the Regent Arran successfully sought and obtained surrender from the troublesome Lennoxes.
• In hands of the Darnley’s by 1565. At this time the castle was home of Henry, Lord Darling who married Mary, Queen of Scots in 1565.
• Darnley was assassinated in 1567. Thereafter, the castle passed down minor lines of the Stewart clan but was a ruin by the 18th century.
• This castle was the first property acquired by heritage organisation, The National Trust for Scotland, in 1931.
• The site is now managed by Historic Environment Scotland, the heritage arm of the Scottish Government.

Visiting

The castle is located some 5 miles south-west of Glasgow city centre, and 3 miles east of Paisley. Address is 170 Brockburn Rd, Glasgow G53 5RY. Check website for access and opening times.