Crichton Castle

Crichton Castle
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

A ruined castle overlooking the Tyne Water, 5 miles (8 km) southeast of Dalkeith in Midlothian. Most likely built in the late 14th C., Crichton Castle belonged to Sir William Crichton who was Lord Chancellor of Scotland in the 15th Century. In 1440 the castle came under siege and shortly afterwards was remodelled to make it less vulnerable. The Crichtons lost their castle and estate in 1489, having been implicated in a conspiracy against King James III.

In the 16th century the castle was home to James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell (1536-78), who was the husband of Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87). In the late 16th century an unusual inner courtyard, resembling an Italian piazza, was created.

The castle is maintained by Historic Scotland.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry