Torwood Castle

Torwood, United Kingdom

Torwood Castle is a ruined 16th-century L-plan castle near the village of Torwood. The estate was held by the originally by the Foresters of Garden, who were the foresters responsible for the nearby Royal Forest of Tor Wood from the second half of the 15th century until the mid-17th century. Based on the date found on a carved stone panel found not far from the castle in 1918, the castle has been estimated as being built around 1566 for Sir Alexander Forrester. It passed to Clan Baillie in the early 16th century and then to George, 1st Lord Forrester in 1635. The castle was captured prefatory to taking Stirling Castle during the 1585 successful rebellion of the Earls of Mar and Angus.

The castle was purchased by Gordon Millar in 1957, who slowly restored it, although he was only able to stabilise the stonework with help from friends.

The roofless castle is three storeys tall and comprises a vaulted ground floor, a first floor and an attic. The short wing housed the staircase and has gables at its north and south ends. It had a cobbled courtyard enclosed by three ranges of buildings, although little remains of them. Two rooms of the north range were excavated in 1999, revealing a kitchen and a well room.

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Address

Torwood, United Kingdom
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Details

Founded: c. 1566
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Beks. H (2 months ago)
Stumbled upon this hidden gem not knowing what to expect. We met Gary who is renovating the castle who was absolutely lovely and inviting. He gave us a tour of the inside, telling us all about the history and architecture of the area and some historical artifacts that had been found onsite. He then also gave us recommendations of the surrounding area, including the Blue Pool and broch. Very friendly dog, cat and cows too.
Dawn McGowan (3 months ago)
Lovely walk to castle - visit made even better due to Gary who restores the castle and lives on site sharing local history. Gary is very enthusiastic and friendly and is truly a great asset in the restoration of the castle its self. Thanks for sharing Meg the collie who kept us right on our walk ? Also visited Tappoch Broch an iron age settlement and Torwood Pool, mysterious pool in the forest, both easy, shortish walks from the castle. Well worth a visit. Torwood Castle - park on Glen Road, Torwood and follow public right of way path to Denovan. It’s about a 10 min walk to castle up a good walking road. Tappoch Broch is about 10 min from castle to the right, path is well signposted through the woods. This path is uneven as tree roots under foot but not strenuous. Torwood Pool is about 10 min to left of castle, through metal gate and follow path that skirts the field down to the pool. Fairly straightforward path.
Richard Harris (4 months ago)
Torwood is a great castle to explore, it has been partly renovated, which gives you a good insight to what the castle would have been like back when it was first Built ⚔️?
Joanna Mitchell (8 months ago)
The castle is a ruin currently being restored by trustees. Gary - who lives on site and in a caravan - was extremely welcoming and is crowd-funding the restoration, as it is not being supported by any authority or historical association. At the moment it is rather dangerous and should not be explored unless accompanied by Gary or his helpers. Local resident Nimbies and are hindering his work.
Alice P (17 months ago)
Lucky to have caught some of the men restoring this place, so friendly and such a beautiful castle. Free range eggs sold there too. The cows there are so friendly and quite funny too. Alot of history around Torwood.. worth the gander for sure! Especially if it's a sunny day... we were very lucky with the day we had. So much to see here along the trails... Absolutely recommend for a day out.
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