Castle Cary Castle is a significant example of a late medieval tower house located in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Dating from around 1480, this castle occupies a historically strategic site near the remains of one of the principal forts of the Roman Antonine Wall. The castle's origins and development reflect the turbulent history and architectural evolution of Scottish tower houses during the late 15th and 17th centuries.

The historical context and early records

The earliest known mention of the site dates back to 1304, when a writ from King Edward I of England ordered the sheriff of Stirling to muster forces at "Chastel Kary," believed to refer to Castle Cary. This indicates the strategic importance of the location even before the current structure was built. The castle as it stands today is thought to have been constructed by Henry Livingstone of Myddillbynning, with completion around 1480. The Livingstone family were prominent landowners in the area, and the castle remained under their control through the 16th century.

Architectural features and construction

Original structure and materials

The castle originated as a rectangular tower with a lower wing, forming an L-shaped plan. It was constructed using stone sourced locally, including material repurposed from the nearby Antonine fort. This reuse of Roman masonry is evident throughout the castle fabric, with "broached" stones incorporated into various walls, as noted by antiquarian Hugo B. Millar. The main tower rises to about 12 metres in height and features a barrel-vaulted cellar on the ground floor, providing a secure storage area typical of Scottish tower houses.

Defensive and residential elements

The tower is topped with a crenellated parapet and crow-stepped gables, characteristic of Scottish medieval architecture. A machicolated projection on the north wall at parapet level is present, although it likely served as a garderobe rather than a defensive feature due to its position. Access to the parapet is via a turnpike stair originating at the north entrance, which also leads to a cap-house providing entry to the attic space.

17th-century modifications

During the 17th century, the original lower wing was destroyed and replaced by a new wing on the east side of the tower, dated 1679. This addition was two storeys high with an attic and included a turnpike stair, enhancing the residential comfort of the castle. The extension was built over a 7.5-metre-wide ditch, which may have been part of the original defensive earthworks contemporary with the 15th-century structure.

Historical events and ownership

Castle Cary Castle has witnessed significant historical events, including its burning by Jacobite forces during the 1715 rebellion. Ownership passed through several prominent families, beginning with the Livingstones of Dunipace in the 16th and early 17th centuries, then to the Baillies, and later to Thomas Dunbar of Fingask through marriage in 1730. Eventually, the castle became the property of the Marquess of Zetland.

Notable visitors and local lore

The castle is reputed to have been visited by Mary Queen of Scots, who, along with her lady-in-waiting Mary Livingston, is said to have planted yew trees on the grounds. The castle is also linked to the antiquary Alexander Baillie, who was probably born there. A local legend tells of his sister, Lizzie Baillie, eloping from the castle by leaping into the plaid of a Highland farmer named Donald Graham.

Interior features and preservation

Inside the castle, traces of 18th-century wall paintings survive in the main hall, alongside architectural details such as the bases and moulded jambs of the fireplace. An iron grille, part of the original door defenses, is preserved within the structure. The castle remains a private residence today and is not open to the public, but it stands as a well-preserved example of a Scottish tower house with layers of history visible in its fabric.

Castle Cary Castle and the Antonine Wall

The castle's proximity to the Antonine Wall is of particular archaeological interest. The Antonine Wall was the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain, and Castle Cary Castle incorporates stones from the Roman fortifications. This connection highlights the continuity of strategic importance of the site from Roman times through the medieval period and beyond.

Castle Cary Castle exemplifies the architectural and historical complexities of Scottish tower houses, combining defensive features with residential adaptations over centuries. Its connections to notable historical figures and events, alongside its incorporation of Roman materials, make it a distinctive monument in Scotland's built heritage.

Castle Cary Castle