Photo: Photograph by Stuart Yeates, from en:Flickr / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About this place
Craigmillar Castle stands on a low hill three miles south-east of Edinburgh city centre, its stone walls dating back to the late 14th century.
The Preston family, local feudal barons, began building it and kept adding to it through the 15th and 16th centuries.
It is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland, with a tower house, courtyard and curtain wall still largely intact.
Historic Environment Scotland now cares for the site as a scheduled monument.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
Building work started under the Preston family in the late 14th century and continued for two centuries as the castle grew from a simple tower house into a fortified complex. In 1660 it passed to Sir John Gilmour, Lord President of the Court of Session, who restored parts of the ageing structure. The Gilmours moved to nearby Inch House in the 18th century, after which Craigmillar was left to fall into ruin.
Architecture
The castle developed around a 14th-century tower house, with a courtyard, curtain wall and later ranges added over the 15th and 16th centuries, making it one of the most complete medieval castle layouts surviving in Scotland.
Worth knowing
Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at Craigmillar from 20 November to 7 December 1566 while recovering from illness after the birth of her son, the future James VI. During that stay, a group of nobles reportedly agreed on the so-called Craigmillar Bond, a plan to remove her husband Lord Darnley.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Brunstane Rail Station (1.9 miles)
Open daily; April to September 9:30am to 5pm; October to March 10am to 4pm. Check official website for access updates.
Nearby properties
Holyrood Park
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View Edinburgh Castle on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Craigmillar Castle there are 11 historic properties, including 4 historic buildings and 2 historic houses, across Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Craigmillar Castle there are 24 historic properties, including 6 historic houses, 4 historic buildings and 4 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Within 20 miles of Craigmillar Castle there are 51 historic properties, including 15 historic houses, 9 castles and 8 historic sites, across Historic Environment Scotland, Historic Houses and National Trust for Scotland sites.
Facts
A near-complete medieval castle where a plot against Mary, Queen of Scots' husband was allegedly hatched in 1566.
- Type
- castle
- Location
- City of Edinburgh, Scotland
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