OS1/34/2/15

Continued entries/extra info

[page] 15
[Abercorn Castle Continued from page 14]

The Romans had Stations or forts at equal distances between Antonine's Wall and
Cramond the port which they frequented in the Forth to preserve the Communications
and to prevent the enemy from making inroads by crossing from the opposite
Shore. One of these was probably the original of Abercorn Castle. There seems to
have been another at Springfield the remains of which were lately employed
in building the present house and offices and another on the point of Munch Hill.
The Castle was situated on a point N.E. [North East] from the Church of Abercorn and must have
been of difficult access excepting on the east side. During the power of the House of
Douglass it became a place of great Strength being one of the most tenable fortresses
which belonged to the family. In the year 1454 it was besieged by King James II.
the Earl of Douglass being there in rebellion. The King raised the siege and went in pursuit
of Douglas but it was recommenced on the 8th of April 1455 and the walls of the Castle
being Shattered by the repeated shocks of machines it was taken by storm about the
9th of May following and dismantled. It was never repaired afterwards. Buchanan
speaks of it as half demolished (Semidiruta arx) in his time. -- Old Stat. Acct. [Statistical Account] vol. [volume] 20 page 399