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Latitude: 55.9367 / 55°56'12"N
Longitude: -4.5631 / 4°33'47"W
OS Eastings: 239999
OS Northings: 674486
OS Grid: NS399744
Mapcode National: GBR 0M.YT15
Mapcode Global: WH3NQ.W19N
Entry Name: Dumbarton Castle
Scheduled Date: 25 April 1994
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Source ID: SM90107
Schedule Class: Cultural
Category: Crosses and carved stones: inscribed stone; Prehistoric domestic and defensive: fort (includes hill
Location: Dumbarton
County: West Dunbartonshire
Electoral Ward: Dumbarton
Traditional County: Dunbartonshire
The monument consists of a volcanic plug of basalt on which are the remains of a) a Dark-Age fort, b) a medieval castle, and c) a Georgian garrison.
The Dark-Age fort is represented by buried archaeological evidence and by two carved stones (located in the Governor's House). The medieval castle is represented by the Wallace Tower, the Portcullis Arch and the Guard House. The Georgian fortress is represented by the Governor's House, the French Prison, the Magazine and by the present curtain walls and gun-batteries.
The area to be scheduled is irregular on plan, consisting of the volcanic basalt plug with all its surviving buildings, walls, fences, stairs and paths, and measures 250m E-W by 260m N-S, as marked in red on the accompanying map.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
The monument is of national importance because Dumbarton Rock has one of the longest recorded histories as a stronghold in Britain. There is known to be significant archaeological evidence for the Dark-Age fort of Alcluith, which was the 'capital' of the British kingdom of Strathclyde. There are significant upstanding elements of the medieval royal castle, built as an important frontier fortress and later used as a place of safety and state prison. The fortifications and buildings constructed for the Georgian garrison in the 18th century are among the most important surviving in Britain.
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
Bibliography
RCAHMS records the monument as NS47SW 5.
References:
Alcock, L, 1975-76, 'A multi-disciplinary chronology for Alt Clut, Castle Rock, Dumbarton', Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 107, 103-13.
MacIvor, I, 1986, Dumbarton Castle, Edinburgh.
McPhaill, I M M, 1979, Dumbarton Castle, Edinburgh.
Historic Environment Scotland Properties
Dumbarton Castle
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dumbarton-castle
Find out more
Related Designations
DUMBARTON CASTLELB24880
Designation TypeListed Building (A)StatusRemoved
Source: Historic Environment Scotland
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