Ardmillan Castle

Ardmillan Castle is a ruinous Scottish castle dating from the late 16th century.

It lies on the A77 on the edge of the Firth of Clyde south of Girvan.

History

On 7 August 1563, Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed at Ardmillan before moving on to Ardstinchar Castle.[1]

The original structure was built in the late 16th century on a low mound. It was originally a rectangular tower with circular towers on the corners. The two northern towers have been removed.[2]

It was built and owned by the Kennedys of Bargany until 1658, it then passing through marriage to the Crawfords of Baidland. By 1688 it had a motte (wide ditch) built on all sides.[3]

In the 18th century a classical wing and new formal front was added and it took on more of the appearance of a house rather than a fortification, and was sometimes referred to as Ardmillan House.[4]

By 1892 it had an enclosed courtyard built at its base.[5]

It suffered in a fire in the early 20th century and again in 1973 leaving the property ruinous. The grounds have been used as a caravan park since 1980.[6]

References

  1. ^ Herbert Maxwell, "Tour of Mary, Queen of Scots, through Southwestern Scotland", Scottish Historical Review, 18:69 (October 1920), pp. 6–7.
  2. ^ The Castles of Scotland by Martin Coventry ISBN 1-899874-00-3
  3. ^ Castles of the Clans, by Martin Coventry
  4. ^ The Fortified House in Scotland vol.3 by N. Tranter
  5. ^ MacGibbon & Ross, The Castellated and Domestic Architecture of Scotland
  6. ^ https://canmore.org.uk/site/62078/ardmillan-castle


55°12′39″N 4°52′43″W / 55.21095°N 4.87851°W / 55.21095; -4.87851


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