Scheduled MonumentsScotlandLarabank Castle,motte
Medieval · Motte

Larabank Castle,motte

Scotland
HES SM5644
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Larabank Castle is a medieval motte located in Renfrewshire, Scotland, representing a common form of Norman fortification established in the twelfth century. The monument consists of an earthen mound typical of motte-and-bailey castles, a defensive structure type widely adopted across Scotland following Anglo-Norman settlement patterns. Such mottes served as strongholds for feudal lords and their garrisons, combining an elevated defensive position with associated bailey enclosures for domestic and military purposes. Larabank's survival as an archaeological feature contributes to understanding the distribution and character of early medieval fortifications in south-western Scotland during the period of feudalisation.

Larabank Castle,motte is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5644. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Larabank Castle,motte?

Larabank Castle is a medieval motte located in Renfrewshire, Scotland, representing a common form of Norman fortification established in the twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM5644.

What period does Larabank Castle,motte date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Larabank Castle,motte?

Larabank Castle,motte 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 SM5644.

What other scheduled monuments are near Larabank Castle,motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Barr Castle (1.9 km), Glengarnock Castle (2.1 km), Castle Semple Loch, tower house to S of loch (3.4 km).

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