Bob Marshall

The castle as it may have looked around 1520. (Copyright Bob Marshall / Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society)

A series of illustrations depicting Ardrossan Castle on the west coast of Scotland. This is how the castle possibly looked around 1520 after it had undergone significant structural alteration. The castle, which has been ruinous since the seventeenth century, is sited on a raised headland overlooking the Firth of Clyde. The original shoreline came very close the base of the castle providing useful access by boat. Over the centuries the waterline receded and formed a series of inches or scares. These created a natural harbour on which the modern town of Ardrossan and its railway station and ferry port is built on.

In 1520 the castle essentially comprised of two, two storey towers with a small courtyard in the centre enclosed by fairly substantial curtain walls. The original keep and gatehouse to the north was heavily modified - its main gateway was blocked in and a gunloop added. The entrance was probably moved around to the east to a postern gate. A mezzanine floor was possibly added between the ground and first floors of the original keep. To the south is a second tower (built later) with kitchens in a vaulted room on the ground floor of which there is visible evidence left in the ruin. A hall probably occupied the first floor with a second floor garret above this. To the north west are the remains of steep subterranean steps leading down to a well - the castle's water supply.

Above: A cutaway of Ardrossan Castle as it may have looked like in 1520. Its original entrance on the North side was blocked in and a single gunloop added. The castle's main entrance was possibly moved to a postern on the east side of the castle giving access to the courtyard. (Copyright Bob Marshall / Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society)

Above: A cutaway view of Ardrossan Castle as it may have looked like in 1520 showing the inside of the south tower, vaulted kitchens and hall on the first floor.
(Copyright Bob Marshall / Charles Ross)

Above: Ardrossan Castle as it may have looked like in 1520. Viewed from the North West.
(Copyright Bob Marshall / Charles Ross)

Above: Ardrossan Castle's gate and courtyard as it may have looked in 1520.
(Copyright Bob Marshall / Charles Ross)

Above: A cutaway view of Ardrossan Castle's subterranean well (from the North West).
(Copyright Bob Marshall / Charles Ross)

How the ruinous castle looks today. (Copyright Ardrossan Castle Heritage Society)

I wish to acknowledge Rathmell Archaeology, Dr. David Caldwell, Historic Scotland and ACHS for their assistance and guidance with this project.