Dunbar Castle

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Dunbar Castle sits on a rocky promontory above Dunbar harbour in East Lothian, Scotland. For centuries it was one of Scotland’s strongest fortresses, guarding the border near the English coast. The first stone castle is thought to have been built around 1070 by Gospatric, Earl of Northumbria, and the site was expanded and rebuilt many times as the castle changed hands.

Over the years the fortress grew into a large, well-defended complex. The South Battery sits on a high rock and is connected to the main castle by a stone passage. Inside, the citadel is octagonal, about 54 by 60 feet, with several gun-ports still visible. The central gate bears the heraldic arms of George, 10th Earl of Dunbar, flanked by the Bruce and Isle of Man arms. The castle faces the sea, and a natural sea cave nearby may have served as a dungeon. The overall buildings are made of red stone from local quarries, and much of the structure has fallen into ruin over time.

Dunbar Castle played a key role in many conflicts. It withstood sieges in the medieval period, was reinforced and garrisoned with soldiers from France and Italy during the 16th century, and was involved in the Rough Wooing of the 1540s. In 1547–1561 it remained a strong military site under various captains and keepers. In 1567, during the troubles surrounding Mary, Queen of Scots, the castle was besieged and then slighted (deliberately damaged) by order of Parliament to prevent its use by enemies. By 1568 much of the stone had been removed or reused, and the fortress never recovered.

Today Dunbar Castle is a ruin and is not open to the public.