Glasgow Castle

Glasgow Castle is long lost. It was built on a low rise of ground to the west of the Cathedral, and was probably founded in the late 12th century to serve the episcopal burgh, which was established in 1170. Excavation in the 1980s revealed that the castle type was a raised platform and ditch. In addition to that, the Bishops of Glasgow had a palace which was outside the castle and mentioned in 1258. It is likely that the castle was occupied by lay representatives of the church who could carry out activities that were not allowed within the church grounds – such as sentencing to death. The castle remained in use until at least 1301, when Edward I had an English garrison there.

In the 15th century, developments at the palace included the erection of a tower house, and from this point onwards the palace assumed a more castle-like air, with towers and gatehouses, However during the years after the Reformation, it fell into disrepair, and required significant repairs in the 17th century. After a final set of repairs c1680, the palace too was abandoned and used as a quarry, finally being demolished in 1789 and the old castle mound levelled in 1853. The sites of both castle and palace are easy enough to access, but nothing remains to see.

HES Canmore database entry