Bass Castle
Bass Castle is a castle on Bass Rock located off the coast of North Berwick.
History
[edit]The current structure dates back to the sixteenth century. However, one has been referred to as early as 1405.[1] It was owned by the Lauders of Bass in the sixteenth century until 1671, when it was sold to the Crown until 1706, when it was finally passed on to Sir Hew Dalrymple of North Berwick.[1] The Lauder family are said to have owned Bass Rock since 1318.[2]
In the mid-late seventeenth century, the island and a small room in the castle were used as a prison.[2][3] From 1701, Bass Rock was no longer used as a prison and it is said that the castle was partially demolished in the same year.[3]
Royal History
[edit]The castle has been visited by many historic figures including James VI in 1581.[3] He offered to buy the island from George Lauder, but his offer was declined.[3]
Modern History
[edit]The castle is currently a ruin, with only some of the original walls remaining.[3] A lighthouse was built on top of it in 1902.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Bass Rock, Castle | Canmore". canmore.org.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ^ a b "Bass Rock | The Bass | The Castles of Scotland, Coventry | Goblinshead". www.thecastlesofscotland.co.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ^ a b c d e "Bass Castle | Castle in North Berwick, East Lothian | Stravaiging around Scotland". www.stravaiging.com. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
- ^ "Bass Rock". Northern Lighthouse Board. Retrieved 2024-09-27.