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Castle Campbell, Scotland
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
This evening, I am posting some information on a delightful small, historic Scottish castle located high in the Ochil Hills, near to Stirling, Scotland.
This castle offers the visitor a fascinating blend of Clan Campbell history, superb high elevation location, multiple photo opportunities down Dollar Glen and an insight into castle evolution and architecture.
Castle Campbell is of the 'Tower House' variety and characteristic of the late 15th century. It is of a simple oblong plan with massively thick walls pierced by a few windows and rising to a slightly overhanging parapet 18m above the ground. There are four main floors each with a single room, and a garret in the roof space. The ground, first and top floors are covered by stone barrel vaults.
It is great fun to explore this castle, climbing up the various levels and availing of the stunning views from top of the tower.
In addition to the Tower House, there is the part ruined Hall and Chamber Range, the East Range, the Gardens and 'John Knox's Pulpit. The gardens are well cared for by the resident caretaker.
It is possible the castle's origins date back to the 12th century but its existence was first recorded in 1466 when held by the Stewarts of Innermeath and Lorne. The Tower House may date from the mid 1400s. The castle passed to Colin Campbell, Earl of Argyll in the late 15th century. In 1645 the Royalist leader, James Graham severely damaged the castle. In 1654 the castle was again attacked this time by General Monk. In 1715 the castle was briefly garrisoned but abandoned thereafter. The property was transferred to Historic Scotland in 1945 while Dollar Glen became the responsibilty of the National Trust for Scotland.
When in the area I usually include Castle Campbell in my tour schedule. Access is via very narrow road and great care is required in winter.
I will post images later
This castle offers the visitor a fascinating blend of Clan Campbell history, superb high elevation location, multiple photo opportunities down Dollar Glen and an insight into castle evolution and architecture.
Castle Campbell is of the 'Tower House' variety and characteristic of the late 15th century. It is of a simple oblong plan with massively thick walls pierced by a few windows and rising to a slightly overhanging parapet 18m above the ground. There are four main floors each with a single room, and a garret in the roof space. The ground, first and top floors are covered by stone barrel vaults.
It is great fun to explore this castle, climbing up the various levels and availing of the stunning views from top of the tower.
In addition to the Tower House, there is the part ruined Hall and Chamber Range, the East Range, the Gardens and 'John Knox's Pulpit. The gardens are well cared for by the resident caretaker.
It is possible the castle's origins date back to the 12th century but its existence was first recorded in 1466 when held by the Stewarts of Innermeath and Lorne. The Tower House may date from the mid 1400s. The castle passed to Colin Campbell, Earl of Argyll in the late 15th century. In 1645 the Royalist leader, James Graham severely damaged the castle. In 1654 the castle was again attacked this time by General Monk. In 1715 the castle was briefly garrisoned but abandoned thereafter. The property was transferred to Historic Scotland in 1945 while Dollar Glen became the responsibilty of the National Trust for Scotland.
When in the area I usually include Castle Campbell in my tour schedule. Access is via very narrow road and great care is required in winter.
I will post images later
Labels: castles
posted by Nigel Cole @ 12:43 PM 
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