Crawford Castle

Crawford Castle is a small castle in a field overlooking the River Clyde a short distance from the A74(M). The earthworks of the castle date back to the 12th century, and the stone ruins primarily from the 16th and 17th century. It is from this castle that the Lindsay Earls of Crawford take their title.

The lands of Crawford like many others were assigned in the 12th century to families accompanying King David I from England, and who took their designations from the lands they were granted. The barony was strategically located in terms of hostile action from both England and Galloway, and the castle was sacked during the Wars of Independence. During the 16th century the castle changed hands repeatedly, and most of the structure dates from just after this, when a strong house and courtyard were built on top of the castle mound. Buildings extended around at least three sides of the courtyard, and this may post date the Lindsays’ time, when the Marquis of Douglas owned the estate. By the late 18th century, all was in ruins. Today the site is surrounded by agricultural land, but may be accessed reasonably easily from the road.

HES Canmore database entry