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CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE
In the courtyard.
Craigmillar castle is a castle situated five kilometres south-east of the centre of the city of Edinburgh. It was begun in the late 14th century by the Preston family, who were lairds of Craigmillar. In 1660 the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmour. The Gilmours left Craigmillar castle in the 18th century and it fell into ruin.Craigmillar castle is best known for its association with Mary I of Scotland. Following the birth of her son, the future James I of England, Mary arrived at Craigmillar on November 20, 1566 to convalesce. Before leaving on December 7, 1566, a pact was made there, with or without her knowledge, to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
Craigmillar Castle became overgrown and ruinous over the following two centuries, and was passed into state care in 1946. Today it is cared for by Historic Scotland. What makes Craigmillar special is the extent to which its underlying structure survives. The inner courtyard may now be home to two very impressive trees that were certainly not there in the Prestons' time in the castle. But the walls of almost all the structures of the castle survive, together with all the vaulted floors. This means access is possible up to roof level in the tower house and first floor level in large parts of the rest of the building. There is also a complete wall walk around two sides of the curtain wall.
CRAIGMILLAR CASTLE
In the courtyard.
Craigmillar castle is a castle situated five kilometres south-east of the centre of the city of Edinburgh. It was begun in the late 14th century by the Preston family, who were lairds of Craigmillar. In 1660 the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmour. The Gilmours left Craigmillar castle in the 18th century and it fell into ruin.Craigmillar castle is best known for its association with Mary I of Scotland. Following the birth of her son, the future James I of England, Mary arrived at Craigmillar on November 20, 1566 to convalesce. Before leaving on December 7, 1566, a pact was made there, with or without her knowledge, to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
Craigmillar Castle became overgrown and ruinous over the following two centuries, and was passed into state care in 1946. Today it is cared for by Historic Scotland. What makes Craigmillar special is the extent to which its underlying structure survives. The inner courtyard may now be home to two very impressive trees that were certainly not there in the Prestons' time in the castle. But the walls of almost all the structures of the castle survive, together with all the vaulted floors. This means access is possible up to roof level in the tower house and first floor level in large parts of the rest of the building. There is also a complete wall walk around two sides of the curtain wall.