Clan Rising

Dundee Castle

Dundee Castle was a medieval stronghold in the burgh of Dundee, Scotland, repeatedly contested during the Wars of Scottish Independence and recorded as repaired by Edward I. It was captured and destroyed by Edward de Brus in 1312–1313. The castle no longer survives; St Paul's Cathedral was built on the site in the mid-19th century.

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Its prime

1303

Today

Demolished

As it stood in 1303

What Dundee Castle looked like in its prime.

A medieval stone castle occupying a compact site within the streets of the burgh of Dundee on the north bank of the Firth of Tay; by the early 14th century the site was enclosed by masonry defensive works that had been repaired under Edward I and garrisoned by an English force. At its prime the castle presented a fortified silhouette of stone curtain walls, a defended entrance and an inner ward set among the town's rooftops; the location was later occupied by St Paul's Cathedral.

Its story

The story of Dundee Castle.

Dundee was created a royal burgh by King William the Lion, and its castle was fought over throughout the Wars of Independence: surrendered to the English in 1296, besieged by William Wallace in 1297, the garrison giving in before the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and captured by the English again in 1300, 1303 and 1310. Edward I visited in 1300 and 1303 and had the castle repaired.

In 1312–13 Edward de Brus captured and destroyed the castle, then held by Constable William de Montfichet. The constableship of Dundee became a hereditary office after 1324, associated with the Earls of Dundee. Nothing of the castle survives above ground: St Paul's Cathedral was built on the site in 1853–65.

Step inside

4 places to explore in 1303.

The record describes 4 distinct spots at Dundee Castle, including 1 interior: garrison quarters (interior). 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 burgh streets (exterior)Inner courtyard / ward (exterior)Garrison quarters (interior)Battlements overlooking the Firth of Tay (exterior)

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Nearby

Landmarks within reach of Dundee Castle.

Tannadice Park, ScotlandStadiumTannadice Park2 km awayBell Rock Lighthouse, ScotlandLighthouseBell Rock Lighthouse36 km away

Questions about Dundee Castle

What is the history of Dundee Castle?

Dundee Castle was a medieval stronghold in Dundee, contested throughout the Wars of Scottish Independence. It was surrendered to the English in 1296, besieged by William Wallace in 1297, and repaired after visits by Edward I in 1300 and 1303. Edward de Brus captured and destroyed it in 1312–13.

Why was Dundee Castle built, and what was it used for?

Dundee Castle was built as a medieval defensive stronghold. It occupied a compact site within Dundee and was enclosed by masonry defensive works by the early 14th century. Its purpose was military, with a defended entrance, curtain walls, an inner ward and an English garrison.

Where is Dundee Castle?

Dundee Castle was in Dundee, on the north bank of the Firth of Tay. It stood within the streets of the burgh of Dundee, in the area now known as Dundee City. The site was later occupied by St Paul's Cathedral.

When was Dundee Castle built?

The exact date when Dundee Castle was first built is not recorded. It was certainly in existence by 1296, when it was surrendered to the English, and the site was enclosed by masonry defensive works by the early 14th century.

Was Dundee Castle ever attacked or besieged?

Dundee Castle was attacked and besieged several times. It was surrendered to the English in 1296, besieged by William Wallace in 1297 and surrendered before the Battle of Stirling Bridge, then captured by the English in 1300, 1303 and 1310. Edward de Brus captured and destroyed it in 1312–13.

What did Dundee Castle look like in its prime?

In its prime, Dundee Castle had a fortified silhouette of stone curtain walls, a defended entrance and an inner ward among the town's rooftops. Its battlements overlooked the Firth of Tay, and the castle occupied a compact site within Dundee's streets.

Is Dundee Castle still standing, or is it a ruin?

Dundee Castle no longer stands: it was captured and destroyed by Edward de Brus in 1312–13. Nothing of the castle survives above ground. St Paul's Cathedral was built on the site in 1853–65.

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