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Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries and Galloway
Location: 13km south east of Dumfries, DG1 4RU (map and directions)
Caerlaverock Castle is a medieval stronghold located in what today is known as
the Caerlaverock National Nature Reserve near the border to England and is one of
Scotland’s most magnificent castles. Built in the 13th century, this breathtaking triangular
moated castle was first in the hands of the English, owned by the Maxwell family. The
castle’s strong defensive walls made of red sandstone are unique in Britain due to their
triangular shape, but did not prove imposing enough to avoid coming under attack. 
Caerlaverock Castle - Wikimedia Commons
History of Caerlaverock CastleIn 1356 Caerlaverock was besieged by Scottish forces and the current design of the castle is
a result of the refurbishments undertaken throughout the 1300 and 1400s. This would not
be the last time that Caerlaverock saw battle, however. In 1544 the English captured the
castle and though it was returned to the Scots, Caerlaverock was attacked a second time in
the century in 1570.
After the union of the crowns in 1603, a period of peace between Scotland and England
meant that Caerlaverock Castle was no longer in the line of fire, and Robert Maxwell
converted the castle into a place fit for a family in 1634, adding comfortable lodging
facilities and ornamental stonework to the castle’s interior. Just 6 years later Caerlaverock
was attacked by an army of Covenanters who, after 13 weeks, finally surrendered to the
Maxwells, who defended the castle in the name of King Charles I. Caerlaverock Castle was
left unrepaired however, and slowly slid into ruin until Historic Scotland took over care of
the castle in 1964.
Today the castle is a popular tourist attraction and home to nature trails, a children’s
adventure park, and a shop with local products from Dumfries and Galloway.
Caerlaverock Castle is open year round (closed Christmas and Boxing Day).
View Caerlaverock Castle in a larger map
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Other castles in Dumfries & Galloway
Abbot's Tower
Amisfield Tower
Balmangan Tower
Barholm Castle
Caerlaverock Castle
Cardoness Castle
Closeburn Castle
Comlongon Castle
Drumcoltran Tower
Drumlanrig Castle
Dunksey Castle
Frenchland Tower
Gilnockie Tower
Castle Kennedy
Lochhouse Tower
Lochmaben Castle
Lochnaw Castle
MacLellan's Castle
Morton Castle
Orchardton Tower
Repentance Tower
Sorbie Tower
Castle St. John
Threave Castle
Torthorwald Castle
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