Lochore Castle
| Lochore Castle | |
|
Fife | |
|---|---|
 Lochore Castle | |
| Type: | tower house |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | NT17539587 |
| Location: | 56°8’54"N, 3°19’44"W |
| Village: | Lochore |
| History | |
| Information | |
Lochore Castle is a ruined 14th-century tower house standing about three miles south-east of Cowdenbeath in Fife. It is just south of Lochore hamlet, which stands on the eastern shore of Loch Ore, and within the Lochore Country Park.[1]
The castle originally on the island of Inchgall within thw loch: the name of the island means “Isle of Strangers”.[1] Accordingly, the castle may be known alternatively as Inchgall Castle[2]
Little remains of the castle today, and its ruins have stood surrounded by dry land since the natural loch was drained in the Georgian period.
History
Duncan of Lochore first built a motte on this site,[1] during the reign of King Malcolm IV.[2] The Valances acquired the castle (apparently by marriage[2]) and extended it before constructing the keep during the 14th century,[1] having probably lowered the motte. [2] Thereafter in came into the hands of the Wardlaws of Torrie, and was then acquired by the Malcolms of Balbedie[1]
At the end of the 18th century the loch was drained. [2]
Structure
The keep had four storeys, and a courtyard with four corner towers, which enclosed ranges of buildings.[1] Probably the castle was approached by a causeway from the east. [2]
The wider area was landscaped and loch refilled in the 1980s, to restore it after the devastation caused by mining in the 20th century.[2]
Outside links
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("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Lochore Castle) |