Lanark Castle was the origin and heart of what later became the

royal burgh A royal burgh () was a type of Scottish burgh which had been founded by, or subsequently granted, a royal charter. Although abolished by law in 1975, the term is still used by many former royal burghs. Most royal burghs were either created by ...

Lanark Lanark (; gd, Lannraig ; sco, Lanrik) is a town in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, located 20 kilometres to the south-east of Hamilton. The town lies on the River Clyde, at its confluence with Mouse Water. In 2016, the town had a population of 9 ...

, Scotland. The town grew up outside the castle walls. Long since demolished, the castle lay high on the east bank of the

River Clyde The River Clyde ( gd, Abhainn Chluaidh, , sco, Clyde Watter, or ) is a river that flows into the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. It is the ninth-longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third-longest in Scotland. It runs through the major cit ...

, near the confluence with the

Mouse Water Mouse Water is a river in South Lanarkshire which is a tributary of the River Clyde The River Clyde ( gd, Abhainn Chluaidh, , sco, Clyde Watter, or ) is a river that flows into the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. It is the ninth-longest riv ...

. The site is designated a

scheduled monument In the United Kingdom, a scheduled monument is a nationally important archaeological site or historic building, given protection against unauthorised change. The various pieces of legislation that legally protect heritage assets from damage and d ...

. As a key strategic high point over the

Clyde Valley The River Clyde ( gd, Abhainn Chluaidh, , sco, Clyde Watter, or ) is a river that flows into the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. It is the ninth-longest river in the United Kingdom, and the third-longest in Scotland. It runs through the major cit ...

, the

Romans Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy *Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD *Roman people, the people of ancient Rome *''Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a letter ...

built a fortification on what is still known as Castle Hill, south west of the modern town centre. Other fortifications were built on the site after the Romans' brief occupation of southern Scotland came to an end. The castle was used as a royal residence by

David I David I may refer to: * David I, Caucasian Albanian Catholicos c. 399 * David I of Armenia, Catholicos of Armenia (728–741) * David I Kuropalates of Georgia (died 881) * David I Anhoghin, king of Lori (ruled 989–1048) * David I of Scotland ( ...

and

William the Lion William the Lion, sometimes styled William I and also known by the nickname Garbh, "the Rough"''Uilleam Garbh''; e.g. Annals of Ulster, s.a. 1214.6; Annals of Loch Cé, s.a. 1213.10. ( 1142 – 4 December 1214), reigned as King of Scots from 11 ...

Parliament of Kenneth II

Some records claim that Kenneth II of Scotland held a parliament at Lanark Castle in 978. However, this is most likely not accurate. At this time, Lanark was a part of the Kingdom of Strathclyde. Lanark Castle was most likely built during the reign of David I, and was probably completed by 1144 when the town became a Royal Burgh.

Popular Culture

The castle features in ''The Scottish Chiefs''.

References

Lanark Castles in South Lanarkshire Scottish parliamentary locations and buildings Demolished buildings and structures in Scotland Scheduled Ancient Monuments in South Lanarkshire Roman auxiliary forts in Scotland {{Scotland-castle-stub