Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCaerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour
Medieval · Castles,courtyards and harbour

Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour

Scotland
HES SM90046
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castles,courtyards and harbour
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Caerlaverock Castle is a medieval fortress located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, notable for its distinctive triangular or delta-shaped plan and impressive red sandstone construction. The castle was founded in the late 13th century, with the earliest fortifications dating to around 1290, and it served as an important stronghold for the Maxwell family, who held the lordship of the region. The castle's physical layout comprises a substantial curtain wall with corner towers, a gatehouse, and associated domestic buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with evidence of harbour facilities reflecting its strategic position near the Solway Firth. Caerlaverock underwent significant modifications and repairs throughout the medieval and early modern periods, including damage and reconstruction following Scottish Wars of Independence conflicts, and the castle remained an important seat of power for the Maxwells until it was severely damaged during the English Civil War.

Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90046. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour?

Caerlaverock Castle is a medieval fortress located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, notable for its distinctive triangular or delta-shaped plan and impressive red sandstone construction. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90046.

What period does Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour date from?

Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castles,courtyards and harbour. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour?

Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90046.

What other scheduled monuments are near Caerlaverock Castle and Old Castle,castles,courtyards and harbour?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Ward Law, prehistoric enclosure and roundhouse 360m WSW of (1.3 km), Ward Law, fort and Roman camp (1.4 km), Isle Tower, 400m NNE of Bankend (3.6 km).

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