Ayr Castle was a castle situated at Ayr in Scotland. Once considered a royal castle, nothing remains of it above ground.[1]
Ayr Castle | |
---|---|
Ayr, Scotland | |
Coordinates | 55°27′54″N 4°38′08″W / 55.4650°N 4.6355°W |
Grid reference | grid reference NS33482218 |
Type | Tower |
Site information | |
Open to the public | Private |
Condition | Demolished |
Site history | |
Built | 1197 |
In use | Until 16th or 17th century |
Materials | Stone |
History
editIn 1197, the castle was built by King William the Lion of Scotland, who later in 1205 created a burgh at Ayr.[1] The castle was captured by the Norwegian King Håkon Håkonsson and a substantial Norwegian army in 1263 which led to the Battle of Largs after which it returned to Scottish control.[2] Robert the Bruce burned the castle in August 1298 in order to keep it out of the hands of the English.[3] The castle in 1542 was garrisoned by French troops and appears to have been demolished before the Cromwellian occupation between 1650–1651.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Ayr Castle". CANMORE. Retrieved 20 January 2010.
- ^ Sweet, Andy. "Ayr Castle". Stravaiging Around Scotland.
- ^ Barrow, Geoffrey W.S. (1988). Robert Bruce and the Community of the Realm of Scotland. Edinburgh University Press. p. 103.