Linlithgow in Falkirk, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Blackness Castle
"Harbour, Castle, and Prison"
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 1, 2011
1. Blackness Castle Marker
Blackness Castle was built in the 15th century beside the harbour serving the important royal burgh of Linlithgow. It was used as a state prison until the 1707 Treaty of Union, holding for the most part of high or middle rank. The best known prisoner was Cardinal Beaton, confined here for about a month in 1543.
In 1543 a building campaign had just been completed which transformed Blackness into one of the most formidable artillery fortifications in Scotland. Much of what you see dates from that time. Besieged and damaged by Oliver Cromwell's army in 1650, a general repair was begun under Charles II.
A long period of obscurity as a minor garrison followed in the 1707 Treaty of the Union until 1870-74, when Blackness was converted into an ammunition depot. It was finally abandoned for military purposes after World War I.
(captions)
The castle as remodeled during the reigns of James V and his daughter Mary Queen of Scots (drawing by Dave Pollock). Work began in 1537 on massively thickening the walls and raising them in height. Yawning wide-mouthed gunholes pierced the walls for the new defensive artillery. During
this page online
The work made Blackness one of the most formidable artillery fortifications in Scotland.
The castle as it might have looked when first built about 1440 (drawing by Dave Pollock).
The builder was probably Sir George Crichton, brother of the chancellor of Scotland. In 1453, Sir George gave the castle to James II and it has been Crown property ever since.
Erected by Historic Scotland.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Forts and Castles.
Location. 56° 0.331′ N, 3° 30.993′ W. Marker is in Linlithgow, Scotland, in Falkirk. It can be reached from St. Ninian's Way just north of A904. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Linlithgow, Scotland EH49 7NH, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Scotland’s Edinburgh & the Lothians. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 1, 2011
2. Blackness Castle Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Linlithgow Palace (approx. 6.1 kilometers away); Queensbury War Memorial (approx. 7.6 kilometers away); In Gratitude (approx. 7.6 kilometers away); John Reid (approx. 7.7 kilometers away); Forth Bridge (approx. 7.7 kilometers away); Andrew Carnegie Birthplace Museum (approx. 7.7 kilometers away); Grave of the Mother of Sir William Wallace (approx. 7.9 kilometers away); The Royal Navy in the Forth (approx. 8.2 kilometers away).
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 1, 2011
3. Blackness Castle Marker
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 1, 2011
4. Central Tower
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 1, 2011
5. Blackness Castle
Central Tower and Defensive Walls
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, April 1, 2011
6. Blackness Castle
View of the Firth of Forth and the Forth Rail Bridge in the distance.
Photographed by Joerg Hagedorn, July 27, 2024
7. Blackness Castle - Port of Linlithgow Marker
Marker is inside the castle at the riverfront
Photographed by Joerg Hagedorn, July 27, 2024
8. Blackness Castle - The ship that never sailed
New marker with a timeline is on front of the castle
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 672 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 11, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 7, 8. submitted on February 1, 2025, by Joerg Hagedorn of Siegen, Germany. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
