
Alex Glass
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Crookston CastleCrookston Castle
Crookston Castle was built in the 12th century. It was one of the first castles in this area. The huge ditch is all that remains from this early castle.
The stone tower you see dates from the early 1400s. The Stewarts of Darnley lived in it for 100 years. They made their name fighting in France and became Earls of Lennox in Scotland. One of them married Mary, Queen of Scots.
You can see where the castle servants worked in dark cellars and kitchens on the ground floor of the tower. The lord and lady feasted and entertained their guests in the Great Hall. There are traces of the lords’ private rooms and stairways overlooking the Hall.
In 1489 James IV blasted Crookston with the famous cannon Mons Meg. Two later sieges did more damage. The family built a new palace and neglected their old castle. In time people came to appreciate it as a romantic ruin.
History comes to life at Crookston Castle. There are lots of stories to tell, and it’s a great place for a family picnic in the summer. But although people have dug it up and studied its documents, the ancient castle keeps some of its mystery.
THE FRIENDS CROOKSTON CASTLE
Historic Scotland looks after the castle for the National Trust for Scotland. But local people have done a lot for the castle too. In recent years it has played host to gala days, ceilidhs, concerts, storytelling events, guided tours, educational visits and civic receptions. In 2006 5,000 people came to events at Crookston.
We have set up the Friends of Crookston Castle and Grounds with three main aims.
1. To ensure that the castle remains a centre for education, fun and family events.
2. To promote Crookston Castle to the widest possible audience, including the people of Glasgow and visitors to the city.
3. To raise awareness of the castle as an important part of our local and national heritage.
The text above is taken from the leaflet produced by the Friends of Crookston Castle.
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james73
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Great info. Here's a pic from a couple of years back.
James H
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Alex Glass
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Maybe a visit to get more interior photos. One of the neighbours was speaking to me about how everyone takes photos of the outside but you see very few of the inside. He showed me a photo he had taken of the castle with snow around. He had in put on a traditional Scottish Calender.
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james73
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Aye, defo up for a return visit.
James H
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Stuball
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Some internal shots from last year from a 'painting with light' trip
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Alex Glass
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Nice set Stu
All well captured as well.
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cybers
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Need to go here for a wee visit soon i think...
Blasted by mons meg yi say...
Surprised thurs no a hole right through the thing.No like its a piddly wee calibre thingmy wotsit
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