Clan Rising

Cupar Castle

Cupar Castle was a medieval royal castle sited on Castle Hill in Cupar, Fife. Built by the Earls of Fife in the 11th century, it served as a royal and administrative centre through the Middle Ages and saw action in the Wars of Scottish Independence; no above-ground remains survive today.

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Its prime

1300

Today

Demolished

As it stood in 1300

What Cupar Castle looked like in its prime.

Sited atop a small conical motte (Castle Hill) overlooking the burgh, the castle in its prime presented a compact fortified silhouette: a stout rectangular stone keep crowning the summit, enclosed by a low stone curtain and an adjoining lower bailey on the hill's flank. Masonry of local pale grey-brown sandstone, crenellated wall-walks and narrow arrow-slits punctured the elevations, and a guarded gatehouse controlled the main approach from the town.

Its story

The story of Cupar Castle.

Cupar Castle stood on the small motte known as Castle Hill in Cupar, Fife. Built by the Earls of Fife in the 11th century, it became a royal castle and served as a royal and administrative centre through the Middle Ages.

The castle saw action in the Wars of Scottish Independence: in 1339 its English constable, Sir William Bullock, surrendered it to William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale. No vestiges of the castle remain above ground.

Step inside

5 places to explore in 1300.

The record describes 5 distinct spots at Cupar Castle, including 1 interior: great hall (court). Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more rooms, more angles, and more of the place to stand in.

Approach from the townMotte summit with keepGatehouse and main approachInner bailey / courtyardGreat Hall (court)

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Nearby

Landmarks within reach of Cupar Castle.

Tannadice Park, ScotlandStadiumTannadice Park17 km awayDunfermline Abbey, ScotlandMonasteryDunfermline Abbey40 km away

Questions about Cupar Castle

What is the history of Cupar Castle?

Cupar Castle was built by the Earls of Fife in the 11th century and became a royal and administrative centre. It changed hands during the Scottish Wars of Independence, including its surrender to the English in 1296 and recovery for the Scots by Robert the Bruce in 1308. The castle was surrendered again in 1339 to William Douglas, Lord of Liddesdale.

What is inside Cupar Castle?

The documented interior of Cupar Castle included a Great Hall, described as a court. No further interior rooms or features are documented in the supplied material. The castle stood on a small motte known as Castle Hill.

When was Cupar Castle built?

Cupar Castle was built in the 11th century. The first-raised year is not recorded, but both the castle’s history and its description place its construction in the 11th century. It stood on Castle Hill, a small motte in Cupar.

Was Cupar Castle ever attacked or besieged?

Cupar Castle was attacked and besieged during the Scottish Wars of Independence. In 1306, forces led by Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow, attacked and besieged the English garrison, while in 1336 forces led by Robert Stewart laid siege before English forces relieved the occupants. The castle was recovered for the Scots in 1308 and surrendered to them in 1339.

What did Cupar Castle look like in its prime?

Cupar Castle stood on a small conical motte called Castle Hill, overlooking the burgh. In its prime, it had a stout rectangular stone keep, a low stone curtain and a lower bailey on the hill’s flank. Pale grey-brown sandstone, crenellated wall-walks, narrow arrow-slits and a guarded gatehouse formed its compact fortified silhouette.

Is Cupar Castle still standing or is it a ruin?

Cupar Castle is no longer standing above ground. It was demolished, and no vestiges of the castle remain above ground. The site was on Castle Hill next to the former Castlehill Primary School in Cupar.

Where is Cupar Castle?

Cupar Castle was in Cupar, in Fife. It stood on Castle Hill, a small hill or motte next to the former Castlehill Primary School in the town. Fife is the administrative area associated with the castle.

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