Dunlop Castle facts for kids

Dunlop Castle was a historic castle built in the 14th century. It was located about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) north of Stewarton in East Ayrshire, Scotland. Today, the castle is no longer standing. Instead, a large house called Dunlop House, built in the Jacobean style, stands on the same spot. This new house was constructed in 1833.

Sometimes, the castle was also known by another name: Hunthall.

History of Dunlop Castle

The land where Dunlop Castle once stood has a long history. It belonged to the Dunlop family for many centuries, starting way back in the 13th century. This means the family owned the property for at least a hundred years before the castle itself was built in the 14th century.

What the Castle Looked Like

There aren't many detailed records left that describe exactly what Dunlop Castle looked like. However, some old descriptions tell us a little bit about it. It was called "an ancient strong house" and was protected by "a deep foussie [ditch] of water." This suggests it was a sturdy building, possibly with a moat or a large ditch filled with water around it for defense.

One interesting feature of the castle was a stone placed above its doorway. This stone was dated 1599, and it had a special message carved into it: "O Lord let ever thy blessings remain within this house." When Dunlop House was built in 1833, this historic stone was carefully moved and placed in the new building, preserving a piece of the old castle's history.

The Tradition of Dunlop Cheese

Dunlop Castle is also famous for a tasty tradition! It is said that Dunlop cheese first originated right here at the castle. This type of cheese is a traditional Scottish cheese, known for its mild, creamy flavor. It's a cool example of how old castles can be connected to everyday things we still enjoy today!