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Threave Castle is open to visitors in the Summer and Spring. However, you should check the Historic Environment Scotland to ensure it is open. There are several structural sights to see at Threave Castle
Built in the mid-14th century, Threave Castle sits on an island in Scotland’s River Dee. It was once the stronghold of the Black Douglases, who were a prominent political family in Scotland for centuries. While some parts are in ruins, a significant amount of the castle stands today.
Visiting Threave Castle
Parking
Parking and restroom facilities are available at the site. There is also bus parking available.
Price
Tickets are free for Explore pass holders.
For adults, they cost £6.00
For Child aged 5-15, the tickets cost £3.60
Opening
Threave Castle is open from 1st April to 30th September from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
From 1st to 31st October it is open from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
It is closed for the remainder of the year.
Threave Castle is open to visitors in the Summer and Spring. However, you should check the Historic Environment Scotland to ensure it is open.
There are several structural sights to see at Threave Castle, including:
- The tower house. The tower house is one of the largest and best-preserved from its period. It is five storeys tall and was the central structure of Threave Castle.
- The artillery fortification. This is considered one of the most innovative artillery defences of its time.
- Gun emplacement. The gun emplacement was built a few centuries after the tower house and artillery fortification.
Besides structural sights, visitors can also view a range of artefacts excavated from the castle, which provide insight into its occupants' lives. Visitors may also explore the island the castle sits on.
Tours
There are guided tours available on site. There are also children’s quizzes available that will build on their engagement with the site.
Location & Access
Dumfries, Castle Douglas DG7 1TJ
United Kingdom
To get to Threave Castle, visitors need to park their car and then walk for approximately 1.2 kilometres to the jetty. Visitors will need to climb steps to descend into a boat, which will then ferry them to the island Threave Castle stands on.
Visitors can access the upper levels of the castle, but will need to ascend several staircases. The grounds of Threave Castle are grass and have different levels.
Know Before You Go
- Assistance dogs are permitted in all areas of Threave Castle, but must be kept on a leash. Other dogs are not allowed at the Threave Castle site.
- There are no toilets on the island, but there are toilets at the car park near the jetty.
- Historic Environment Scotland recommends visitors wear strong footwear.
History of Threave Castle
Threave Castle was first established in the mid-1300s when the Lord of Galloway led campaigns against the English. After his passing, Threave Castle went to his son, Archibald. The King’s men took control of the castle in the mid-1400s. Threave Castle became state property in 1913.
(Time Line)
-1372 (Establishment of the Castle)
In the late 1360s and early 1370s, the Lord of Galloway (also known as Archibald the Grim) led several campaigns against the English. As a result of these campaigns, Archibald the Grim gained a significant amount of territory in the Scottish region of Galloway.
To protect this territory, Lord Galloway built Threave Castle. The original structure was a tower house, which was built for defence. While the castle was being constructed, a harbour was also created to access the castle from the river.
-1400 (Passing of Lord Galloway)
In 1400, Lord Galloway passed away in Threave Castle. Ownership then passed on to his son, Archibald.
-1424 (Castle Passes On to Princess Margaret)
In 1424, Archibald was killed in the battle of Verneuil, and his widow, the Countess of Douglas, took control of Threave Castle. She retained the castle until 1447, when she ceded it to the 8th Earl of Douglas.
-1447 (Improvements Made)
When the 8th Earl of Douglas, William, took control of the castle, he implemented several improvements to the castle's defences. These included:
- Erecting a defensive wall along the riverbank
- Installing a curtain wall with three towers
-1452 (Murder of Galloway’s Sherrif)
In 1452, the Earl captured the Sheriff of Galloway, imprisoned him in Threave Castle, and finally murdered him.
The Earl was then summoned to the Scottish monarch's court, and the King and his men killed him.
Once the 8th Earl was killed, his brother, the 9th Earl of Galloway, took over the castle. He was supported by the English monarchy, who provided him with the funds to make Threave Castle stronger.
-1455 (Threave Castle Under Siege)
In 1455, the 9th Earl of Galloway staged an uprising against King James and the Scottish monarchy. In retaliation, the King’s men seized many pieces of the Galloway land.
Threave Castle withstood the siege thanks to its artillery house and defensive structures. However, the Scottish monarchy eventually took control when King James promised the castle’s defenders lands and honours if they surrendered.
The Scottish crown now had control of Threave Castle and the lordship of Galloway.
-1455 – 1526 (Property of the Scottish Monarchy)
From the mid 15th century to the early 16th century, Threave Castle belonged to the Scottish monarchy and was looked after by a succession of keepers.
James II stayed at Threave Castle in 1460 on his way to Roxburgh Castle's siege, while James IV visited in 1502.
-1526 (Given to the Maxwells)
In 1513, Robert Maxwell, the 5th Lord of Maxwell, was made keeper of Threave Castle. In 1526, the keeper position was made hereditary - the castle would pass down to each generation of Maxwells.
-1542 (Invaded by the English Army)
During the Battle of Solway Moss, Robert Maxwell was captured and surrendered Threave Castle to the English forces.
-1545 (Passes Back Into Scottish Control)
In 1545, the Earl of Arran retrieved Threave Castle and gave it back to the Scottish monarchy. The Maxwells regained possession of the castle, although they may not have lived in it.
-1640 (Castle Under Siege)
Between 1638-1640, Scotland, England and Ireland were embroiled in the Bishops’ Wars. The Maxwell family supported King Charles I and installed 100 soldiers at Threave Castle to hold the lands surrounding it.
In 1640, the Coventars laid siege to Threave Castle for 13 weeks until King Charles ordered the garrison to surrender. The Covenanters then dismantled parts of the castle.
-1800 (Used as a Prison)
During the Napoleonic Wars, Threave Castle may have been used as a prison for captured French soldiers.
-1913 (Given to the State)
After it had been abandoned for over a century, Threave Castle was given to the State for care. It was deemed a scheduled monument in 1921 and is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland.
Threave Castle Occupants
- 14th - Mid 15th Century: Occupied by the Douglas family
- Mid 15th - Mid 16th Century: Under the Scottish monarch’s control
- 1542 - 1545: Temporarily under the control of the English army
- Mid 16th - Mid 17th Century: In control of the Maxwell family
- Mid 17th Century: Taken over by the Coventars, partially dismantled, and then abandoned
- Early 20th Century: Given to the State
Images of Threave Castle
Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package
Threave Castle Q&A
How Did Threave Castle Get Its Name?
Threave Castle is named after the island it is located on. ‘Threave’ is derived from the Welsh word, ‘tref,’ which means ‘homestead.’
How Big Is Threave Castle?
Today, Threave Castle consists of a tower house that is 18.6 by 12.2 metres (61.02 by 40.03 feet) and is 21 metres (68.9 feet) high. However, when it was being used and occupied, the castle grounds would have been much more extensive.
What Was the Primary Use of Threave Castle?
Threave Castle was the stronghold of the Black Douglas family for centuries. It was used as a residence, was a symbol of power, and was a defensive structure.
Threave Castle may also have been used as a prison during the Napoleonic wars.
What Is Threave Castle Used for Today?
Today, Threave Castle is a historic ruin that is open for tourists to visit.
What Else Can You Do Around Threave Castle?
Threave Castle is just a few miles away from Castle Douglas, another stronghold of the Douglas family. The castle is located in a national park, so visitors will also enjoy seeing local flora and fauna and may even spot ospreys and otters.
Location of Threave Castle
Threave Castle sits on Threave island in the River Dee and can only be accessed by boat. Visitors should park their car at the car park and walk to the boat jetty where passenger boats will take you across the river to the castle.