Crookston Castle

A Medieval Gem in Glasgow

Greetings, history enthusiasts and castle wanderers! Let’s journey to the heart of Glasgow, where Crookston Castle stands as a silent witness to centuries of intrigue, rebellion, and romance. 🏰✨

 

A Tale of Stone and Shadows:

1. Origins and Early Days:

Crookston Castle’s story begins in the 12th century when Sir Robert de Croc built a timber and earth castle on this very site. The defensive ring ditch that surrounds it dates back to those early days.

Evidence suggests an even earlier fortification existed here—an ancient echo of battles and chieftains.

2. The Stewart Connection:

The lands of Crookston passed through noble hands. Sir Alan Stewart acquired them in 1330, and later, Sir John Stewart of Darnley took the helm in 1361.

The Darnley Stewarts replaced the original castle with the imposing stone structure we see today around 1400. Imagine the masons at work, shaping its walls against the Scottish sky.

3. Siege and Surrender:

In 1489, the Stewart Earl of Lennox rebelled against James IV. The king responded with force, bringing the mighty cannon Mons Meg from Edinburgh. Its thunderous roar bombarded Crookston Castle, virtually destroying its western end. Surrender followed swiftly.

Crookston, once a proud stronghold, lay battered but not defeated.

4. Royal Romance:

Enter Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley—the dashing second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. Legend whispers that it was under a yew tree at Crookston that they were betrothed.

The ancient yew, sadly felled in 1816, lives on in a model of Crookston Castle displayed at Pollok House.

5. Changing Hands:

The castle passed through various families—the Graham Dukes of Montrose, the Maxwell’s of Pollok, and more.

In 1931, Crookston became the National Trust for Scotland’s first property, thanks to Sir John Maxwell Stirling-Maxwell. It was a gift to honour Queen Victoria’s visit to Glasgow.

6. Today’s Echoes:

Wander through its ruins, touch the weathered stones, and imagine the lives that unfolded here.

During World War II, the north-eastern tower served as an aircraft watchtower—a stark contrast to its medieval past.

Crookston Castle Today:

Location: 170 Brockburn Road, Greater Pollok G53 5RY

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09:30 - 17:30

☎Contact: 0141 883 9606

Tip: Explore the earthworks, feel the ancient energy, and let your imagination roam.

Crookston Castle—where history whispers and shadows dance. Have you visited this medieval gem? Share your photos, musings, or your favourite historical tidbits in the comments below! Let’s celebrate the enduring spirit of Crookston.

 

For more of the Castles in Scotland series visit:

https://castlesinscotland.blogspot.com/

 

https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/crookston-castle/

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