Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle has often played a very important part in Scottish history. It was the capital of the Ancient Briton's powerful Kingdom of Strathclyde, and it is one of the oldest fortified sites in Britain. The presence of a settlement here is first recorded in a letter Saint Patrick wrote to King Ceretic of Alt Clut in the late 5th century.

When King Edward I invaded Scotland in 1296 he captured Dumbarton Castle and installed his own goverenor there. One of the governors, Sir John Stewart of Mentieth, played an important part in the capture of William Wallace in 1305. Wallace was first taken to Dumbarton Castle, and then to London to be executed.

It was an important royal refuge - the infant Mary Queen of Scots came here for safety in 1548 before sailing for France. She next visited Dumbarton Castle after her return to Scotland 13 years later. In 1568, she was moving towards Dumbarton Castle, after her escape from Lochleven Castle, when her forces were intercepted and defeated at the Battle of Langside. Mary then fled to England and captivity, never to return.