What is recorded here

Blackness Castle is a long, narrow stone ship beached on the Firth of Forth, built by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s to watch the waters beside Linlithgow. It became a royal prison and artillery fortress, holding men like Cardinal Beaton before Cromwell’s army took it in 1650. The castle still juts into the sea like a vessel that refused to sail, its towers marking stem, mast and stern against the water.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Blackness Castle as Castle (medieval), Prison (15th Century). The official map says its point is accurate as follows: NGR given to the nearest 1m. The record does not by itself mean that the public may enter the place.

Blackness Castle was built by the Douglas family in the 15th century and later held by the crown. It is important as a well-preserved example of a medieval fortress and was used as a prison during the 15th century.

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