Kirkcudbright Castle

Kirkcudbright Castle could refer to one of two sites serving the town, which occupies a strategically important site by the mouth of the River Dee. The older is Moat Brae, a large mound by Harbour Square now housing Greyfriars Church, probably representing a substantial ditched enclosure perhaps dating to the 12th century. The second was a more impressive stone courtyard castle probably dating to the latter part of the 13th century, and perhaps founded at the instruction of Edward I, who used it as a principal supply base for his military campaigns in Scotland. Impressive earthworks remain from this castle, but no masonry survives above ground.

The later castle may have remained in use into the 15th century,  having remained in English hands throughout the reign of Edward II, and it is also likely that it was repossessed by William Douglas, who appointed a new constable in 1345. It may have fallen out of use after the fall of the Black Douglases in the 1450s, although the “castleyards” were taken forcefully by burgesses of the town, suggesting that they were still defensible at that point. Both castles are publicly accessible to the public with adjacent parking – the later earthworks form part of Castledykes Park.

HES Canmore database entry – Moat Brae

HES Canmore database entry – Castledykes