Craufurdland Castle facts for kids

Craufurdland Castle is a rebuilt tower house, originating in the 16th-century, about 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north east of Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, Scotland, north of the Craufurdland Water.

History

The property belonged to the Crawfords from the 13th century. John Crawford of Craufurdland was killed at the battle of Flodden in 1513. The castle was built in the 16th century, remodelled and extended in the 17th century, and further extended in the 18th and 19th centuries. Ownership passed to the Howiesons in 1793. The house was restored in the 1980s, and it is still occupied.

The Laird of Craufurdland Castle holds the role of Washer of the Sovereign's Hands in Scotland.

Structure

A corbelled-out battlement at one end of the original tower remains, as part of the west wing. This is three storeys and an attic high. There is a basement which is vaulted, but the interior of the tower has been greatly altered. There is a fine plaster ceiling, dated 1668, in the King’s Room, incorporating the arms of the Stewarts.

The 17th-century east wing is two storeys high. It is said that an underground passage connected the castle to Dean Castle, some miles away. The castle was remodelled as a castellated mansion, in Gothic style.

Images for kids

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  Drawing of Craufurdland Castle