Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCraigmillar Castle,castle and gardens
Medieval · Castle and gardens

Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens

Scotland
HES SM90129
Period
Medieval
Site type
Castle and gardens
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Craigmillar Castle is a medieval fortress situated on elevated ground near Edinburgh in Midlothian. The castle was founded in the late fourteenth century by the Preston family and developed substantially during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with the addition of substantial curtain walls and domestic ranges that reflect its evolution from a simple tower to a more complex military and residential stronghold. The site is characterised by a well-preserved central keep surrounded by defensive walls, demonstrating the architectural development of Scottish baronial fortifications across several centuries. The castle retains considerable historical significance as a seat of considerable local power and as a setting for important events in sixteenth-century Scottish history, whilst its physical remains offer valuable evidence of medieval Scottish domestic and military architecture.

Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90129. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens?

Craigmillar Castle is a medieval fortress situated on elevated ground near Edinburgh in Midlothian. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90129.

What period does Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens date from?

Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a castle and gardens. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens?

Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens 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 SM90129.

What other scheduled monuments are near Craigmillar Castle,castle and gardens?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Glenkevock,enclosure 400m NW of (5.1 km), Enclosed settlement 210m NW of Hardengreen Roundabout (6.3 km), Midfield House,settlement 200m ENE of (6.8 km).

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