| Crichton Castle built in the late 14th century by John de
Crichton, was originally a Tower House. It was John de Crichtons son, William Crichton
(who was also at one time Chancellor of Scotland) who later extended it from a Tower to
the Castle that we see ruined today. The
Crichton family remained with the castle until 1483/4 when the 3rd Lord of Crichton had
his title and lands taken from him by King James III, who in turn granted the land and
castle to Sir John Ramsey of Bothwell, who later became Lord Bothwell and Treasurer of
Scotland. After the death of JamesIII, Ramsey fled to England were he later died. When
James IV came to be King he granted the vacant title to Sir Patrick Hepburn.
Crichton Castle was now in the Earldom of Bothwell, it was to
stay with the Bothwells for the remainder of its days.
The most striking alterations to the castle were carried out
by the 5th Earl, Francis Stewart in the late 16th century, an elaborate courtyard with
diamond shaped stones in the renaissance style, which the 5th Earl may have copied from
one of his many visits to Spain + Italy.
Situation: 10 miles south east of Edinburgh on the A68
2miles south west of the village Pathead
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