|
|
CRICHTON CASTLE FACTS
|
Location
near Crichton, Midlothian
Description
Crichton Castle is a ruined castle situated at the head of the River Tyne, near the village of Crichton in Midlothian. Crichton has four main buildings arranged around an inner courtyard. There is a 14th century tower at the east of the castle with a vaulted basement, and a vaulted hall above. The south-west corner of the tower has collapsed. A second tower was built in the early 15th century forming an L-plan, with a gate between the two towers. The south tower has vaulted cellars on either side of the entrance. Two halls occupied the first and second floors. In the later 15th century a west block was added, with a six-storey tower at the south-west, containing several bedrooms.
History
Crichton Castle was built in the late 14th century by John de Crichton as a tower house family residence. The castle was stormed and damaged in 1445 in response to Crichton’s role in organizing the "Black Dinner" where the Earl of Douglas was murdered. Crichton was rebuilt and extended. In 1488, James IV granted Crichton to Patrick Hepburn, Lord Hailes. The fourth Earl, James Hepburn was, in February 1567, implicated in the murder of Queen Mary's husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, and became Mary's third husband in May of that year. In 1956, the castle was given into state care by its owner, Major Henry Callander of Prestonhall. It is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument administered by Historic Scotland.
The Arts
Crichton Castle was used as a location in the 1995 film Rob Roy
Legends
To the south of the castle is a building that is said to be haunted by the ghost of William Crichton.
Other Castles in the Area
Aberdour Castle
Borthwick Castle
Craigmillar Castle
Dalhousie Castle
Dirleton Castle
Edinburgh Castle
Hailes Castle
Lauriston Castle
Neidpath Castle
Ravenscraig Castle
Tantallon Castle
|
|
