Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar, Edinburgh, Scotland UK grid reference NT288709
Craigmillar Castle from the east
Craigmillar Castle
Coordinates	55°55′33″N 3°08′26″W / 55.9259°N 3.1406°W / 55.9259; -3.1406
Type	Courtyard castle
Site information
Owner	Historic Environment Scotland
Open to the public	Yes
Condition	Ruined
Site history
Built	14th century
Built by	Preston family
In use	Until early 17th century
Materials	Stone

Craigmillar Castle is a ruined medieval castle in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is three miles (4.8 km) south-east of the city centre, on a low hill to the south of the modern suburb of Craigmillar. The Preston family of Craigmillar, the local feudal barons, began building the castle in the late 14th century and building works continued through the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1660, the castle was sold to Sir John Gilmour, Lord President of the Court of Session, who breathed new life into the ageing castle. The Gilmours left Craigmillar in the 18th century for a more modern residence, nearby Inch House, and the castle fell into ruin. It is now in the care of Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument, and is open to the public.^[1]

Craigmillar Castle is best known for its association with Mary, Queen of Scots. Following an illness after the birth of her son, the future James VI, Mary arrived at Craigmillar on 20 November 1566 to convalesce. Before she left on 7 December 1566, a pact known as the "Craigmillar Bond" was made, with or without her knowledge, to dispose of her husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.

Craigmillar is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland.^[2] The central tower house, or keep, is surrounded by a 15th-century courtyard wall with "particularly fine"^[3] defensive features. Within this are additional ranges, and the whole is enclosed by an outer courtyard wall containing a chapel and a doocot (dovecote).