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Morton Castle

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Morton Castle is situated on the Queensberry Estate in southern Scotland, 20 miles north of Dumfries off the A76 road, 4 miles north of the town of Thornhill, 3 miles east of the larger Drumlanrig Castle.

The Castle is open for visits at all times free of charge. DG3 5EH

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Morton Castle is in a quiet, remote, scenic area, that can be found at the end of a single lane road.

1200s - these lands were held by Thomas Randolph, later the first Earl of Moray, friend of Robert the Bruce that helped Bruce become King of Scotland during the Wars of Independence.

1200s late - a Castle had been completed on this high spot with marshland on the north, east, and south sides.

1357 - the Treaty of Berwick to release King David II of Scotland, son of Robert the Bruce, from the Tower of London, forced the Scots to destroy thirteen Castles in Nithsdale, including Morton.

1400s - the Earls of March gained control of these lands and rebuilt the Castle.

1400s mid - James II of Scotland awarded these lands to James Douglas, who became the Earl of Morton.

1580 - the fourth earl of Morton was executed after being accused of playing a part in the murder of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots.

Morton Castle and Earldom was then passed to John Maxwell.

1588 - a fall out between James VI and the Catholic Maxwell's led to Morton Castle being burned and returned to the Douglas family.

1600s - the Castle was owned by William Douglas, first Earl of Queensberry, of the larger Drumlanrig Castle 3 miles west.

Morton Castle was probably used as a Hunting Lodge from that time.

1700s mid - a Dam was constructed to flood the marshland to create an artificial Loch.

1700s - much of the stone from the Castle was taken for other buildings in the area.

2000s - Morton Castle is the property of the Duke of Buccleuch, although cared for by Historic Scotland.

The area has a scenic Nature Walk.

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