Knock Old Castle
North Ayrshire Council Scotland Scotland
castle, chateau
Knock Old Castle was mentioned by the cartographer Timothy Pont in about 1608
Previous names
Knock Old Castle
Description
Knock Old Castle was mentioned by the cartographer Timothy Pont in about 1608. The remains of this small mansion or castle stand on the edge of a stream with an extensive view to the west over Arran and Bute. It consisted of a rectangular block, with a round tower at the south-west angle, and the remains of another at the north-east angle. The latter is about 3 metres (9.8 ft) high. A courtyard wall has a door in it, and it is possible that buildings abutted this.
A modern parapet with angle turret surmounts this wall, which bears a stone inscribed "Repaired in 1853." This restoration is recorded as being by John Thomas Rochead. This wall also contains stones (not in situ) dated '1603' and '1604', the initials 'I B' being on the latter. The whole building has been restored and, in parts, modernised. The walls are only 0.6 metres (2.0 ft) thick. No other traces of courtyard wall are visible. Nigel Tranter gives a similar description in his The Fortified House in Scotland, and adds that Knock Castle was probably built in the late 16th or early 17th century. The old castle is a category B listed building.
Useful information
Parking FREE
Wi-Fi FREE
- Pets allowed
External links
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