Clan Rising

Perth Castle

Perth Castle was a medieval motte-and-bailey stronghold located near the northern end of today's Skinnergate in Perth, Scotland. It served at times as a royal residence and was repeatedly besieged during the Wars of Scottish Independence before being slighted on the orders of King Robert I in 1313; nothing remains above ground today.

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Its prime

1210

Today

Demolished

As it stood in 1210

What Perth Castle looked like in its prime.

Perth Castle at its height (c.1210) presented as a substantial motte-and-bailey on a rounded earthen mound close to the town. A turf-and-earth motte rose above the surrounding ground, topped by a timber palisade and a wooden tower or keep; beside it lay an enclosed bailey with a ring of low timber buildings and a defensive palisade and ditch. The profile was dominated by the raised mound and wooden fortifications set within the medieval streetscape near Skinnergate.

Its story

The story of Perth Castle.

Perth Castle stood near the northern end of today's Skinnergate in Perth. A motte-and-bailey stronghold and at times a royal residence, it was where King Malcolm IV of Scotland was besieged in 1160 by Ferchar, Earl of Strathearn, and five other earls.

A flood damaged the castle in 1209, and after the destruction of the Royal Palace in 1210 it became the residence of the Scottish kings. Repeatedly besieged during the Wars of Scottish Independence, it was slighted on the orders of King Robert I in 1313.

Nothing remains above ground. In the 19th century a memorial to the castle stood in Castle Gable, which ran north-west from its former location, ground occupied today by Perth Concert Hall.

Step inside

4 places to explore in 1210.

The record describes 4 distinct spots at Perth Castle, including the full exterior approach. 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 SkinnergateBase of the motteTop of the motte (keep and palisade)Bailey courtyard

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Nearby

Landmarks within reach of Perth Castle.

Tannadice Park, ScotlandStadiumTannadice Park30 km awayDunfermline Abbey, ScotlandMonasteryDunfermline Abbey37 km away

Questions about Perth Castle

What is the history of Perth Castle?

Perth Castle was a medieval stronghold and occasional royal residence whose documented story spans the 9th to 14th centuries. A motte-and-bailey castle was built in the 12th century, and it became a residence of the Scottish kings after a flood damaged it in 1209 and the Royal Palace was destroyed in 1210. King Robert I ordered its destruction in 1313 after its repeated use in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

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

Perth Castle was built as a motte-and-bailey stronghold and was later used as a royal residence. It served as a defensive site during the Wars of Scottish Independence and became the residence of the Scottish kings after the destruction of the Royal Palace in 1210.

Where is Perth Castle?

Perth Castle was located near the northern end of today's Skinnergate in Perth, within Perth and Kinross. Its former site is occupied today by Perth Concert Hall.

When was Perth Castle built?

Perth Castle dates to the 9th century, while its motte-and-bailey form was built in the 12th century. The site's first-raised year is not recorded, and the castle was substantially affected by later damage, including a flood in 1290 that damaged the motte mound and required rebuilding.

What did Perth Castle look like in its prime?

Perth Castle appeared as a substantial motte-and-bailey stronghold on a rounded earthen mound. A turf-and-earth motte carried a timber palisade and wooden tower or keep, while an enclosed bailey contained low timber buildings, a defensive palisade and a ditch.

Is Perth Castle still standing or is it a ruin?

Perth Castle was demolished, and nothing remains above ground today. King Robert I ordered its walls and castle destroyed in 1313 to prevent English forces from using it as a garrison. A 19th-century memorial once stood in Castle Gable near the former site.

Was Perth Castle ever attacked or besieged?

Perth Castle was repeatedly attacked and besieged. King Malcolm IV was besieged in 1160 by Ferchar, Earl of Strathearn, and five other earls; Scottish forces besieged it in 1306 and 1309, but it held. It was captured by Scottish forces in 1309, by English forces in 1311, and by King Robert I on 8 January 1313.

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