What is recorded here

Castle Semple is a ruined peel tower on a rocky islet in Castle Semple Loch, Renfrewshire, built by the Semple family shortly before 1560 as an impregnable retreat during the Scottish Reformation. Robert, 3rd Lord Semple, named it Defender of the Faith while opposing Protestant reform, strengthening its defences instead of answering charges of murder and theft. Glencairn’s forces later besieged the tower, and Sempill men fired pistols from windows rather than risk the wall heads. Drainage and farming have since joined the islet to the shore with a curved embankment, leaving the stone ruin half-hidden in loch water and memory.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Castle Semple as Lime Kiln (period Unassigned). 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.

Castle Semple was built by the Semple family, a prominent Scottish noble family, in the 13th century. It is remembered as a historically significant stronghold associated with the region's medieval power struggles and the family's influence in Scottish history.

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