Crichton Castle
Crichton Castle Details
Crichton Castle, a ruined C15 tower and courtyard of the Crichtons with unusual C16 Italianate faC'ade of the Hepburns.
- Closest To: Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Gorebridge, North Middleton
- Access: Chargeable Public Access
- Grid Reference: NT380611
Crichton Castle is a self-contained tower-courtyard-palace complex founded between the 14th and 15th centuries by the Lords Crichton, who were instrumental in the decline and downfall of the Black Douglas family in the reigns of James I & II. However they in turn fell from grace in the reign of James III, and Crichton Caastle, then consisting of a dour tower and courtyard, passed to the Hepburn earl of Bothwell.
The Hepburns themselves saw a great rise and fall, with the 3rd earl attempting to wed the Queen Dowager Marie de Guise, and the 4th successfully marrying Queen Mary before being forced to flee the country. The earldom and Crichton Castle were granted to Francis Stewart, who was responsible for the new Italianate palazzo-style buildings that are the highlight of the castle today. However, accused of witchcraft, he was forced to flee the country to Naples, and the castle was abandoned. Today the castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Official Historic Scotland page
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