Cruggleton Castle

Cruggleton Castle Details

Cruggleton Castle, foundations of 3 castles; C12-13 Lords of Galloway/Comyn, C14/15 Douglas, C16 Stewart. Abandoned late C17

  • Closest To: Garlieston, Wigtown
  • Access: Free Public Access
  • Grid Reference: NX484428

Cruggleton Castle is a fortified promontory castle overlooking Wigtown Bay in Galloway. The principal defence is a ditch which separates the promontory from the mainland, and is crossed by a causeway at the southern end. The ditch is much eroded, and there is no evidence of an upcast bank which might be expected, and which could have possessed a timber palisade. Within the ditch the promontory is roughly rectangular, and at the south-eastern corner is an eroded area of high ground that again seems to be defended by a ditch.

This phase of the castle may predate the medieval period as the site was occupied in the Iron Age, and again in the 8th century, but in the turbulent 12th century the Lords of Galloway also maintained a presence at the site, probably restricting their residence to the summit area. Early in the 13th century the summit area was levelled by Alan Lord of Galloway, and a new, larger hall and palisade created; this was replaced in stone, perhaps after his daughter Devorguilla married the Balliol lord of Barnard castle. This was a far more extensive castle, which is not properly understood. The castle remained in active use until the 1tth century, perhaps falling into disrepair during the Civil War period mid century. Today it is accessible at all times, but the clifftops are exposed, so extreme caution should be taken if visiting.

HES Canmore database entry

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