Corra Castle | |
---|---|
New Lanark, South Lanarkshire in Scotland | |
Coordinates | 55°39′12″N 3°46′41″W / 55.653394°N 3.777935°W |
Site information | |
Owner | Scottish Wildlife Trust |
Condition | Ruined |
Site history | |
Built | 1572 |
Materials | Rubble masonry[1] |
Corra Castle (also known as Corrax, Corax or Corehouse Castle)[1] is a ruined 16th-century castle within the Corehouse Estate near New Lanark, Scotland. It overlooks Corra Linn, one of the four waterfalls which make up the Falls of Clyde. In 1967 it became a scheduled monument.[2]
The site was chosen because it was seen as being impregnable, as it is surrounded by sharp cliffs on three sides.[3] It features a ha-ha as part of its design, offering an unobstructed view of the surrounding countryside.[4]
Corra Castle was at one time the residence to one of the branches of the notable family of Somerville. In his 1832 book, The Edinburgh Encyclopaedia, David Brewster wrote:
...and directly above the upper fall, stands the ruinous castle of Corra, formerly the residence of a family of the name of Somerville...[5]