What is recorded here

Cadzow Castle is a ruined medieval tower house in South Lanarkshire, built about two centuries after the Hamilton family took the Cadzow lands. Its wide-mouthed gun loops date it between 1475 and 1550, and the visible courtyard castle likely dates from 1540. Mary, Queen of Scots stayed there after escaping Lochleven in 1568, but the Earl of Lennox besieged it in 1570 and it surrendered within two days. Later artillery destroyed it as punishment for Hamilton support of Mary, leaving walls still marked by the violence that ended its usefulness.

Scotland's National Record of the Historic Environment records Cadzow Castle as Castle (medieval). 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.

Cadzow Castle was built by the Douglas family in the 13th century and later held by the Crichtons. It is remembered for its strategic importance in the Scottish Borders and its association with key medieval noble families.

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