Cardoness Castle, Kirkcudbrightshire, United Kingdom

Cardoness Castle is a well-preserved 15th-century tower house just south west of Gatehouse of Fleet. Around 1170 the lands of Anwoth were granted by Malcolm IV to David fitz Teri, a Cumbrian lord, who built a motte-and-bailey castle at Boreland, close to the present castle.

The McCulloch lairds built the present Cardoness Castle in the late 15th century. In the 1560s, an English spy reported on the castle to Elizabeth I of England, in preparation for a planned invasion of Scotland that never took place. In 1622 the Gordons of Ardwall acquired the mortgaged estate. Feuding between the McCullochs and the Gordons culminated in 1690 when Sir Godfrey McCulloch shot dead William Gordon of Buck o'Bield. Sir Godfrey escaped to France, but was spotted in Edinburgh in 1697 and beheaded on the Maiden, the Scottish equivalent of the guillotine. It was subsequently uninhabited, and passed through the hands of a number of owners before being placed in state care in 1927. It has been protected as a scheduled monument since 1928, and is now maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. The castle is open to the public.

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User Reviews

Maxine Blaylock (8 months ago)
We when to visit gatehouse of fleet. We have been trying too visit for a whlie but because of car issues we did quite get here. But 3rd time luck. And I am really glade because it have been such a great visit with great weather too go worth it.

Phil's Wild Scotland (6 years ago)
Beautiful castle situated on a hill with great views which you can see from the top, friendly staff and very helpful.

Shona Norman (7 years ago)
Lovely castle perched on the top of a small hill, the views from the top are amazing. The garden beside the ticket office was a lovely place to enjoy a picnic and watch the wildlife, red squirrels and a variety of butterflies.

Jason Collier (7 years ago)
I loved it, the rest of the family not so but I love these historical remains and the stories that go with them. Wonderful views from the top and well worth a visit.

Tim Bull (7 years ago)
Very small for £5. But with English heritage you get 50% off. Had fun exploring. You can climb right to the top for a good view which is nice. Lady on the desk was very nice n helpful. Worth a quick drop in if you are passing.

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