Blackness castle

from Katerina in Scotland Visits 2328 7 July, 2020

Blackness Castle is a 15th-century fortress near the village of Blackness, Scotland, located on the south bank of the Firth of Forth. It is believed to have been built by Sir George Crichton in the 1440s on the site of an earlier fortress, with the idea of being the peaceful residence of one of Scotland's most powerful families - the Crichtons. For its existence, however, the castle changed owners several times and was mainly a garrison fortress and a state prison.

Due to its extremely unusual shape, resembling a large ship, and the location of the Fort River, the castle is often called the "Ship that never sailed". The central tower is often called the "main mast", and the northern and southern - "stem" and "stern".

In 1650 the castle was attacked by land and water, as a result of which it was abandoned. 17 years later it was renovated and became a prison again. In the late 19th and early 20th century it was used as an ammunition depot and base during the First World War.

The Blackness castle is an interesting place to visit with a rich history along it. But I'll be honest - all the time, walking around the cells and towers, my stomach was constricted and I dare say that the place carries a lot of "blackness".

It was also used as a film location for the 1990 film "Hamlet" with Mel Gibson and Glenn Close. And Outlander fans may recognize Black castle as Fort William in the first season, where the main character, Jamie Fraser, is flogged by Black Jack Randall. If you are in the area and by car, you must visit Lalibroch (Midhope Castle), which is about 15 minutes from the castle.