Claypotts Castle

Dundee, United Kingdom

Claypotts Castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a 16th-century Z-plan tower house in Scotland. Now surrounded by modern housing, the castle is maintained as an Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland.

The castle was originally built by John Strachan around 1569–1588 according to dates inscribed on stones that make up parts of the castle, which make its construction longer than usual for such a small building. The land on which the castle was built was originally leased by the Strachan family from the Tironensian Abbey of Lindores starting in the early 16th century.

In 1601 the Strachan family sold the castle to Sir William Graham of Ballunie who later sold it to Sir William Graham of Claverhouse. The castle became the property of the crown in 1689 after the death of the then current owner Viscount Dundee John Graham of Claverhouse at the battle of Killiecrankie. In 1694 the castle was given to James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas. The castle later became the property of his son the Duke of Douglas and after his death in 1761 became the subject of a legal battle for the next eight years until the courts ruled Archibald Douglas to be heir. Ownership later passed to the 13th Earl of Home through marriage who later gave the castle to the state in 1926. It is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland.

There is a legend that the castle was once home to an industrious brownie who helped the servants with their work, but that he left in disgust because of a lazy kitchen maid.

The castle consists of projecting towers at opposite sides of a rectangular main block, known as a Z-plan tower house. This was a popular design in the 16th century and allowed defenders to fire along the faces of the main block from both towers, although it is unlikely that the castle would have had much of a defensive role given its domestic scale.

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Details

Founded: 1569-1588
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Nuts (17 months ago)
Fantastic looking medieval castle right next to ugly modern housing. Built in the late 1500's and in remarkably good condition as it was continually occupied for nearly 500 years. In 1689 it became crown property after the death of the then owner in battle. Although not open you are able to wander all around its outside and there is also an information board.
Robert Clelland (Rab) (2 years ago)
The castle was closed. But nice to see. Well looked after.
peter wood (2 years ago)
Drove across country to visit as website said open. On arrival everything locked. Rang contact phone number and told shut until further notice. Wasted half a day driving. Website still says open. My back garden is bigger than the castle grounds. No entry, no fun, no good.
Simona Thompson (2 years ago)
Lovely castle with a phone number to call if you want to gain entry. Not large grounds but they are lovely. The castle itself is beautifully crafted and maintained
William Mcdowall (3 years ago)
Excellent castle. I used to live near here when I was at primary school. I’ve passed a few times, but never stopped off until today. There was a nice lady also visiting, and when I suggested she also visit Broughty Castle, she drove us there, and visited also. Thanks Francine.
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