What is recorded here

Blackness Castle is a 15th-century fortress on the Firth of Forth that James II claimed in 1453 after serving as a prison for powerful men. Its long, narrow shape juts into the water like a ship that never sailed, with towers acting as stem, mast and stern. Cromwell’s army took it in 1650, proving even advanced Scottish gun defences could fail against determined odds.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Blackness Castle as Cist (bronze Age)(possible), Cremation(s) (bronze Age), Inhumation (bronze Age). 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 Stewart family in the 15th century and later held by the Crown, serving as a key strategic fortress on the Firth of Forth. It is important as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland and is often associated with 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.