OS1/10/36/107

List of names as written Various modes of spelling Authorities for spelling Situation Description remarks
LOCHMABEN CASTLE (Remains of) Lochmaben Castle - or the Royal Castle of Lochmaben William Harkness Esqr.
Andrew Johnston Esqr.
Mr. John Brotch
050 Lochmaben Castle or the Royal Castle of Lochmaben as it is sometimes termed, situate about a mile from the Burgh upon a heart shaped peninsula jutting a considerable way into the south side of Castle Loch, forms the grand attraction of this parish. There are however many conflicting statements as to its founder and date, but the most generally credited tradition is, that founded by king Robert Bruce before his succession to the Scotch Throne, its date is that of the 13th. century, neither the career of Bruce at this period nor any documentary evidence support this assumption, but on the contrary there is yet extant a record shewing that Randolph Earl of Murray was Lord of Annandale and about this period in possession of this fortification. The original structure covered a space of 16 acres. Across the isthmus at the entrance of the peninsula are vestiges of a deep fosse which at both ends admited [sic] the waters of the lake and converted the site of the Castle into an Island and over which a drawbridge was thrown. Within the outer fosse at brief intervals are a second third and fourth. The last stretched from side to side of the peninsula immediately at the entrance of the castle, in front of which was a wall to protect the besieged, it had also a drawbridge in the centre which is supposed to have been the last place which an enemy required to force. Two arches at the N. E. and S.W. [North East and South West] angles, through which the water of this fosse was received [continued on page 108]

Continued entries/extra info

[page] 107, Parish of Lochmaben Plan 50.3 Trace 6

Lochmaben Castle (remains of) situation - About 3/4 mile S. S. E. [South South East] from Lochmaben on S. [South] side of Castle Loch,

Philip Munro
Pte. R.S.& M. [Private Royal Sappers and Miners]

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