Threave Castle
It is hard to find a more romantic setting for a castle than the proud 14th Century tower house of Threave Castle. Surrounded by the River Dee and accessible by small rowing boat, Threave Castle was home to the Douglas Lords of Galloway.
The island the castle stands on is a low grassy holm 14km up the River Dee from the ancient port of Kirkcudbright and legend has it was the ancient seat of the rulers of Galloway more than a thousand years ago. It's location would therefore have vital strategic and commercial importance in Galloway.
What remains of Threave Castle today is the five storey tower house surrounded by the ruins of artillery fortifications that would have been state of the art when they were built around 1447.
During the Wars of Independence the people of Galloway sided with Balliol and the English against Robert the Bruce . Their rebellion was put down by James Douglas and the lands were granted to the House of Douglas. No doubt needing a secure residence in an area where the neighbours would be none to friendly to the Douglases, Archibald 'The Grim' chose Threave Island adding to its natural defensive qualities a sturdy castle. However given their position at the royal court and extensive lands to the north it is unlikely that any Douglas Lords would have spent much time here.
Threave Castle was the scene of the final act in the drama between the Douglases and King James II. After the King murdered William Douglas his brother James Douglas vowed revenge bringing the family in open conflict with the crown. Threave Castle was the last remaining Douglas property when it was laid siege in 1455. The castle withstood bombardment for two months and the King himself came to settle the siege through the more subtle means of land grants.
Getting to the castle will require a one mile walk through countryside and farmland, but it is certainly worth it for these scenic ruins.
