What is recorded here

Blackness Castle is a 15th-century fortress built by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s, shaped like a ship jutting into the Firth of Forth. It became crown property in 1453 and served as a state prison, holding Cardinal Beaton and the 6th Earl of Angus. Strengthened with advanced artillery defences, it still fell to Oliver Cromwell's army in 1650, proving that even the sharpest stone cannot stop a determined tide.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Blackness Castle as No Class (event) (21st Century). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 10m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Blackness Castle was built by the Douglas family in the early 15th century, with significant additions made in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is important as a well-preserved example of a medieval Scottish castle and is sometimes called "the ship that never sailed" due to its ship-like appearance.

The historic-place record does not grant public access. Check current conditions and ownership before entering land or a building.