The Black Douglas of Threave
Threave Castle in Dumfriesshire, The Grim's Galloway Glamour
Oct 10, 2008
Threave was built after Archibald "the Grim" was awarded the lordship of Galloway in 1369. Archibald was the son of "the good" Sir James. Sir James Douglas was charged with taking Robert the Bruce's heart to the Holy Land. He died along the way, and neither he, nor Bruce's heart made it to Jerusalem. However, because of his valiant efforts, and the family's history of service, the Black Douglases (as they later came to be called) were awarded honors. One of these honors was the lordship of Galloway.
Touring the Castle
Getting to Threave castle is an adventure. A path approximately a mile long meanders to the ferry, a small boat that takes visitors to the island and castle. The path cuts through farmland, and one can observe wildlife and the beautiful landscape that this part of Scotland has to offer.
After the short ferry journey, visitors stop at the small gift shop to pay for admission. Helpful guides will spend the time to discuss the history of the castle, and guidebooks are also available.
The tower house was built to house the Douglas family and their retinue. According to the Threave Castle souvenir guide, there were five stories in the tower itself. The hall was on the third floor and had a fireplace in the east wall.
Visitors can tour the tower and marvel at the view from the upper floors. Although only a shell of its former self, there is enough left for one to imagine how life might have been when Archibald and his family lived, and died, here. Archibald himself died here in 1400.
Fortification, Defense and Siege Warfare
The main defense for the tower was the geography around it. The river, which was higher in medieval times, would have made for a strong defense. The tower's top floor was for defense, as were the battlements above it. The garrison could hold out on this floor.
These defenses were put to good use during the siege of Threave. When William, the eighth earl of Douglas, fell out of favor with James II, the king had him murdered at Stirling castle. His younger brother, James, was not any better at placating the king than William. In 1455, the king set out to destroy all of the Douglas holdings. Only Threave was able to hold out, but only for a while. The garrison finally had to surrender, and the castle passed out of Douglas hands into the hands of the crown.
Threave Castle played an important role in Scotland's heritage and history.
Opening Times
- March 21 - September 30, 2008, Monday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- October 1 - October 31, 2008, Monday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Admission prices
- Adult £4.20
- Child £2.10
