Scottish Castles

Local information

Newark Castle, Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Location: Port Glasgow, PA14 5NH (map and directions)

Newark Castle on the shores of the River Clyde in Port Glasgow is a well-preserved structure built on the south bank of the river. During medieval times, this was a significant location, as the river became too shallow to travel beyond the castle. Newark became the point where seafaring ships were offloaded, and goods were placed onto smaller boats to continue to Glasgow. As systems came into place to deepen the river all the way to Glasgow, shipyards sprung up around the castle, placing it in the middle of what is now a shipyard in Port Glasgow.

Newark Castle © Dave Souza

History of Newark Castle

Built in 1478 by George Maxwell, Newark Castle was initially a completely enclosed tower house within protective walls, though nothing remains of the defensive structures today. In 1597, Maxwell’s descendent Sir Patrick Maxwell made major changes to the castle by creating a three-storey Renaissance mansion linking the older tower house to the gatehouse. Newark Castle remained with the Maxwell family until 1694 when the last Maxwell died and Newark was subsequently sold to a series of owners before passing into state care in 1909.

Today Newark Castle is in the care of Historic Scotland.

Map and directions

Other castles in Glasgow & Clyde Valley