There are countless vantage points in Glasgow which give spectacular views of the city. From Necropolis Cemetery to the Radisson Red Hotel, skyline bar there are viewing points across Scotland's biggest city.
But there is an area of Glasgow in the south-west of the city that is the one and only remaining medieval castle, located in a housing estate which gives amazing views of the cities horizon.
Located in Crookston, close to Pollok, Crookston Castle is a fortress that was built in the 1400s with the earthworks dating back even further to 1100s.
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However, the history of the castle does not stop there with many major events occurring and linked to the stronghold.
The history of the castle is extensive and dates back to the mid-12th century, but is now surrounded by many houses in a built up residential area of Glasgow.
It is likely that before the stone castle was built a wooden fortress used to be on top of the hill where the ruins of the castle are to this day. There has been evidence of this found over the years.
However, the reason why the castle is now in the state that is now is because of the many sieges that took place spread over many wars.
In 1489, The Stewarts, owners of the estate through marriage rebelled against a young James IV. This led the then king to respond bringing his cannons and decimating the castle which resulted in a quick surrender.
The result of this was the loss of the 'W towers' and a significant amount of damage done to the fortress.
In 1544, the castle was besieged and captured by Regent Arran. This was after Henry VIII ordered an invasion of Scotland to see the ending of the auld alliance between Scotland and France.
There was many attempts to patch up the castle but was left abandoned for many years and during that time swapped hands between lords of the area until it finally landed in the hands of the Maxwells of Pollok.
In 1900, according to Historic Environment Scotland, this led the family to conserve the castle and "opened it to day-trippers from the grime of industrial Glasgow seeking the pure air of the countryside. An army pensioner was installed in the lodge house as a custodian, welcoming 6,500 paying visitors in 1910."
In 1931, the land became the first property acquired by the National Trust of Scotland which was presented by Sir John Maxwell who was one of the Trusts founding members and first Vice Presidents.
During World War II, the North-East tower which is still in tact today was used by the Home Guard as an aircraft observation post during the Clydebank blitz with a concrete floor especially made for the look out post.
The castle is now the responsibility of Historic Environment Scotland, on their website they give a quick description: "The castle’s layout is almost unique in Scotland. It comprises a high central tower, with four square corner towers.
"Only the north-east tower remains fully intact, but it shows it was clearly planned."
It has been said the castle is the second oldest building in the city, second only to Glasgow Cathedral.
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