Crookston Castle, ultimately dates from 12th century and one of the few castles within range of Glasgow.

December 30, 2019

This evening, I am reporting on Crookston Castle, a medieval edifice which now sits, somewhat incongruously, in a medium-density residential housing area in the Pollok area of S.W. Glasgow in S.W. Scotland, close to the Levern Water (river).

(Above image is a capture of Crookston Castle in winter.)

A summary chronology of this castle is as follows:

Around 1190 a wooden Motte and Bailey structure surrounded by a dry moat was built by a Norman named Robert de Croc whose surname was corrupted to Crookston .
Transformed in 14th century from wood to stone by Sir John Stewart with funds raised by ransoms obtained from a successful military adventure in France.
Subjected to a siege in 1489 by King James IV in context of a dispute with the holder, Earl of Lennox. Siege lasted one day.
Subjected to another siege in 1544 when Regent Arran successfully sought and obtained surrender from the troublesome Lennoxes.
In hands of Darnley’s by 1565 when home of Henry, Lord Darnley who married Mary, Queen of Scots in July 1565.
After Darnley’s assassination in 1567 the castle passed down minor lines of the Stewart clan but was a ruin by the 18th century.
First property acquired by heritage organisation, National Trust for Scotland in 1931.
Now managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Open all year round.