Lanark Castle

Lanark Castle has long disappeared, the only remains being the impressive mound to the south-west of the town centre, which is largely natural, and with natural ravines and steep slopes on three sides. Today the summit of the mound is occupied by the bowls club, and private houses occupy the slopes. The castle probably dates to the 12th century, when King David I founded the royal borough, and was most likely a courtyard at the top of the hill (then not levelled smooth) with a palisade and hall, and a now-lost defensive ditch across the only approach.

The castle remained as a royal centre throughout its life, serving as a court, administrative centre, prison, and a royal mint. It also witnessed three parliaments. Popular legend states that the sheriff of Lanark was murdered by William Wallace in 1297. The castle fell into partial disuse soon after this date, with subsequent sheriffs using Carstairs instead, although it was probably repaired by the English occupying forces. The end date of the castle is about 1310, when it was probably burned out by Bruce’s forces. Although it is accessible and prominent, it is hard to get a good view of the castle site or mound.

HES Canmore database entry