Lochore Castle is a ruined 14th-century tower house, about 3 miles (4.8 km) south east of Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland, and south of Lochore, east of Loch Ore, in Lochore Country Park.[1]
Little remains of the castle, which was originally on the island of Inchgall, the name meaning “Isle of Strangers”.[1] It may be known alternatively as Inchgall Castle[2]
History
editDuncan of Lochore first built a motte on this site,[1] during the reign of Malcolm IV of Scotland.[2] The Valances acquired the castle (apparently by marriage[2]) and extended it before constructing the keep during the 14th century,[1] having probably lowered the motte.[2] Thereafter in came into the hands of the Wardlaws of Torrie, and was then acquired by the Malcolms of Balbedie[1]
At the end of the 18th century, the loch was drained.[2]
Structure
editThe keep had four storeys, and a courtyard with four corner towers, which enclosed ranges of buildings.[1] Probably the castle was approached by a causeway from the east.[2]
The wider area was landscaped and loch refilled in the 1980s, to restore it after the devastation caused by mining in the 20th century.[2]
See also
editReferences
editExternal links
edit
Media related to Lochore Castle at Wikimedia Commons
