Could the stones of Crookston Castle whisper tales of love and war? This ruined medieval castle stands in Glasgow. It overlooks the Levern Water. Crookston Castle is the only surviving medieval castle in Glasgow.
Crookston Castle’s story began in the 12th century. Sir Robert de Croc built a timber and earth castle. He also gave his name to the village of Crookston. But the stone structure we see today arose around 1400. The Darnley Stewarts replaced the early castle.
In 1489, the Stewart Earl of Lennox rebelled. James IV responded fiercely. He brought Mons Meg from Edinburgh. This massive cannon bombarded Crookston Castle. The western end suffered greatly ensuring a swift surrender.
Fast forward to 1544. The Earl of Arran and Cardinal Beaton besieged Crookston. They took it while the Earl of Lennox defended Glasgow Castle. Back then, Crookston was the Lennox family’s main house.
Perhaps the most famous Darnley Stewart was Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. He married Mary, Queen of Scots. Crookston may have been where they pledged their love under a yew tree. The yew was felled in 1816. A model of Crookston Castle was carved from its wood. It’s now in Pollok House.
Crookston Castle changed hands over the centuries. In 1703, the Duke of Lennox sold it to the Duke of Montrose. Later, the Maxwells of Pollok acquired it in 1757. After years of neglect, the Maxwells partially restored it. This was to honor Queen Victoria’s visit in 1847.
In 1931, Crookston became the first property of the National Trust for Scotland. Sir John Maxwell Stirling-Maxwell presented it. He was a Trust founder. During World War II, the north-eastern tower served as an aircraft watchtower.
Today, Historic Environment Scotland maintains Crookston Castle. The castle is open to the public. It stands as the second-oldest building in Glasgow after Glasgow Cathedral.
Notice Crookston Castle’s unique design. It sits atop a natural hill. An early ring ditch emphasizes its position. The castle features a rectangular main block. Towers once stood at each corner. This created an unusual ‘X-plan’ shape. Only the north-east tower remains at its original height. The western towers suffered destruction in the 15th century.
The entrance faces north near the north-east tower. It was defended by a portcullis and two doors. Inside, a mural stair leads upwards. A barrel-vaulted basement houses slit windows and a well. The hall occupied the first floor. It featured a vault rising to 8.3 meters.
Robert Burns, William Motherwell, and Robert Tannahill mentioned Crookston in their poems. Sir Walter Scott suggested Mary, Queen of Scots watched the Battle of Langside from here. This is impossible because of the topography. Crookston Castle remains a testament to Scotland’s rich history. Its stones echo with tales of love, war, and resilience.