Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Caerlaverock Castle Ruins

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Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Caerlaverock Castle Ruins, Dumfries Galloway, Scotland. Photos by photographer Paul E Williams.  (TIP – use the icons below the slideshow for thumbnail photos and info)

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Photos of the Beautiful Medieval Caerlaverock Castle Ruins, Scotland.

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Photos of Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfries Galloway, Scotland.

The Foundation of Caerlaverock Castle

In 950 a British Lord Karlauerock built a castle on the edge of the Solway Firth in Scotland. Later, in 1220, King Alexander II of Scotland granted Sir John Maccuswell permission to build a new castle at Caerlaverock, to strengthen the southern borders of Scotland. The Maccuswell, or Maxwell, Family held Caerlaverock Castle until the 17th century when it was abandoned.

The Triangular Shape of Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle is a triangular castle and the reason for this still puzzles historians today. Caerlaverock Castle’s triangular design is unique in the British Isles but its design offers formidable defences.

Sieges of Caerlaverock Castle

The defensive design of Caerlaverock Castle was tested many times and the castle survived some long sieges. In 1300 Edward I besieged Caerlaverock Castle with around 3000 men. The castle held out for 2 days until it was taken and its defenders slaughtered.

The Ruin of Caerlaverock Castle

In the Civil War of 1640 Caerlaverock Castle held out against parliamentary forces for 13 weeks until it finally fell. As was the practise of the time the curtain walls Caerlaverock Castles were destroyed so it had to be abandoned.

Caerlaverock Castle has changed little since it was abandoned and its triangular shape surrounded by a moat make it one of the picturesque castles of Scotland and the British Isles.