Comlongon Castle History Tel: (01387) 870283 Fax: (01387) 870266 The castle built on the tidal plain of the shallow Solway estuary to combat the frequent border incursions by English raiders is mentioned as early as 1331 when the Earl of Moray, Thomas Randolph gave the property to his nephew Sir Willam Murray. The keep has stood witness to generations of violent border disputes between the several powerful families that hail from this region. The baron and his immediate family lived in safety and some splendour within massive 14" thick walls, whilst retainers and mercenaries were housed in various outbuildings, including stables, workshops, kitchen, brewery and grannary, surrounded by a curtain wall, the whole complex was then enclosed by a moat. Comlongon Home Page Hotel Accommodation The Castle Ghost Comlongon Castle History

Early in the 18th.Century the decendants of the Murray's Lord Mansfield of Scone Palace, Pearthshire had a Mansion house built adjacent to the Keep, but probably rarely lived in it. It is believed that much of the stone required came from the ancient walls and outbuildings, which by then, had lapsed into a state of dilapidation. The first mansion was partly destroyed by a fire in the late 19th. Century and was rebuilt in 1901. The Keep which is entered through a doorway in the north wall which still contains its original iron protective gate or Yett, leading to the basement, containing the fresh water well. From the basement a spiral stone staircase leads to the first floor or Great Hall with its vast fireplace above which is a particularly well preserved carving of the Legend of the Great Man. Leading from the Great hall are steps down to the guard chamber with dungeon pit, where prisoners were often held for ransom. The Castle has been carefully restored and contains many unique features which guests can examine on a tour before the evening meal. Comlongon Castle is situated down a mile long private tree-lined drive in the village of Clarencefield just 15 miles west from Gretna and 9 miles east of Dumfries on the B724, whilst the vast unspoilt region of Galloway is but a short drive Mainline railway connections are at Lockerbie, Annan, Dumfries and Carlisle, with frequent services to Glasgow, Edinburgh and London(Euston). Three first class 18 hole golf courses are nearby whilst local fishing and horse riding can be arranged when in season

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