Newark Castle, a fortification dating back 600 years near Glasgow, Scotland


                            (Above image is a capture of Newark Castle, Port Glasgow, Scotland.)

This afternoon, I am posting information on Newark Castle which is located in Port Glasgow on the southern bank of the River Clyde, about 20 miles west of Glasgow in S.W. Scotland.

In common with most medieval castles, Newark was located for ‘command and control’ purposes. In Newark’s case the location allowed control of the point on the River Clyde where ships were forced to berth due to shallowness of the water. However, dredging of the river in the 1600s rendered the castle’s control function obsolete and it now sits, somewhat incongruously, next to a ship-building facility.

Video clip of Newark Castle



More information on Newark Castle:
  • Evolved from a single tower house built in the 1400s. A mansion-house was added in the 1590s.
  • Between 1493 and 1495 was used as an assembly point for military expeditions led by King James III to gain control over the Clan MacDonald dominated ‘Lord of the Isles’ in the west of Scotland.
  • Built by the Maxwells of Calderwood with 16th century mansion added by Sir Patrick Maxwell. Latter murdered the Laird of Skelmorlie and his eldest son.
  • After military functions ceased became a rope manufactory and storage space.
  • Now under control of Government agency, Historic Environment Scotland and open to the public.

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