Dumbarton Castle

Dumbarton Castle has often played a part in Scottish history. The Castle dates back to the Scottish Wars of Independence in the 13th and 14th centuries. It guards the entrance to the Leven Valley. One of its governors of that time was Sir John Mentieth. He was the traitor who betrayed Sir William Wallace to the English. Wallace was held prisoner in the castle until it was time to take him to London for his trial and execution. Mary, Queen of Scots was making for Dumbarton Castle when she was defeated at the Battle of Langside. Unknown to her it had already fallen to her enemies. Cromwell's forces occupied the castle as did some of Bonnie Prince Charlie's men who were imprisoned there in 1745. The castle later became a prison, then a barracks but was abandoned in1865 as being obsolete. Queen Victoria visited the castle and held a court on the rock. It was recommissioned and used by the army during the First World War and was used again during World War II.