Cadzow Castle

Cadzow Castle occupies a cliff-top location above a right-angled turn in the River Avon in Chatelherault Country Park. Built in the 16th century for the Hamilton family, perhaps by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, it was only occupied until 1579 when the main properties of the family were sacked by their political opponents. It was never repaired, although the ruins became part of the romantic views from the 18th century Chatelherault Palace.

Due to the 18th century landscaping, a full understanding of the castle is incomplete. There were three wards, the outer of which was defined by a long ditch creating a narrow triangle. Along the edge of the cliff are the middle ward – to the west – and the inner ward, which occupies the tip of the promontory above the river. The inner ward has been subject to archaeological work, the rest has not. The middle ward was probably intended for use by the household of the Hamiltons, possibly as part of a formal hunting complex. Work has shown the inner ward to be designed for artillery defence, with round towers at each of the southern corners acting as artillery blockhouses. The site is still fenced off for safety reasons.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry