Craignethan Castle, Crossford (Lake District)
An early artillery fortification with an exceptional residential tower and fine setting
Summary
- Gift shop
- Free car parking (on site)
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Food and Drinks
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Introduction
Hidden away in the rolling hills of Clydesdale, Craignethan Castle is the last great private stronghold constructed in Scotland. It was without parallel, comprising an exceptional residential tower protected by a most unusual artillery fortification.
History to the present day
Craignethan was built by Sir James Hamilton of Finnart, the eldest (but illegitimate) son of the 1st Earl of Arran. Following his father’s death in 1529, he became de facto head of the second most powerful family in Scotland after the royal Stewarts.
He also became a close friend to King James V, rising to become his principal Master of Works. When his castle was nearing completion in 1536, Finnart entertained the king and his court at Craignethan, for his daughter’s wedding celebrations.
Sir James Hamilton of Finnart spent his early years abroad, acquiring an unusual knowledge of architecture and fortification. He was instrumental in supervising important royal building works at Linlithgow Palace, Stirling Castle and elsewhere. But nowhere was his personal architectural stamp more obvious and inspired than Craignethan. This was his bolthole, where he created a quite extraordinary fortified residence way ahead of its day.
But Hamilton of Finnart fell from grace. In 1540 he was executed. His legitimate half-brother, Lord James, the 2nd Earl and future Regent, became lord of Craignethan. Thereafter, the Hamiltons continued to assert themselves in the political and military crises of the Protestant Reformation, supporting Mary Queen of Scots even after her abdication in 1567. They sheltered her at Craignethan prior to her defeat at Langside on 13 May 1568.
The end came in 1579. After a short siege, the two sons of the insane 3rd Earl of Arran fled into exile and Craignethan was slighted to render it unserviceable as a defence. After just 50 years, Hamilton of Finnart’s handiwork had been reduced to a ruin.
In the early 19th century, the ruined castle acquired a new fame. It was asserted that Craignethan was the inspiration for Tillietudlem Castle in Sir Walter Scott’s Old Mortality. Scott disclaimed the association, and even contemplated restoring Craignethan as his residence. But the great tower became firmly established as Lady Margaret Bellenden’s home, and a nearby railway halt was named Tillietudlem Station in its honour.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Craignethan Castle, near Lanark, South Lanarkshire, Lake District, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
1 April - 30 September: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30am to 5.30pm
1 November - 31 March: Sat Sun Open Weekends Only 9.30am to 4.30pm
Closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Admission prices:
Adult £3.70, Child £2.20, Concession £3.00
Directions: The Castle is located 9km north west of Lanark off the A72.
Public Transport: From Glasgow Central train station, take First Scotrail train (Lanark) to Hamilton Central (26 mins). Walk 4 mins to Hamilton Bus station. Take McKindless bus group no 31 (Lanark) to Crossford Main Street (near Carluke) Tillietudlem Hotel (23 mins). Walk 15 mins to Craignethan Castle. If travelling by car, take Junction 8 (Blackwood) off M74 and follow the signs.
