The Castles of Clan Maxwell

Clan Maxwell has an extremely rich and storied history and used their great power and influence to obtain numerous impressive homes and castles over the years. Come with us to explore a few of these grand sites and learn more about the Maxwell’s fascinating daily lives, from battles to ornate architectural renovations, to royal visitors. 

Clan Maxwell’s ancestral seat is the grand Caerlaverock Castle, which stands against the sweeping Dumfriesshire countryside. The land was gifted to Sir John Maxwell in 1220 by Alexander II King of Scots, and it is thought that initially a very basic castle was built. However, the Maxwells carried out numerous repairs and upgrades over the years, reflecting their great power, resource, and status. 

Ever keen to stand out, Clan Maxwell chose a very unique architectural style for their home, building Caerlaverock as the only castle in the UK to boast a triangular shape. Other intriguing features include the defensive curtain wall, three lengths of which are linked by imposing high towers. On the north side, there is a striking gatehouse with two more towers, where the Maxwells once held private rooms. 

You can also find classic defensive measures that reflect the turbulent times Clan Maxwell endured, including ‘machicolations,’ slotted gaps in the castle walls through which burning objects could be dropped on any approaching enemies. It is thought these were added following the bloody Wars of Independence with England. 

Later on, the Maxwells were able to add more luxurious features to Caerlaverock, most notably the ornate ‘Nithsdale Lodging,’ commissioned in the 1630s by Robert Maxwell, the 1st Earl of Nithsdale, complete with beautiful Renaissance stone carvings. 

Caerlaverock Castle by Crowsus

Caerlaverock is not just remarkable for its architecture, it also has a fascinatingly long and winding history. It was besieged and captured on many occasions, though a few in particular stand out. 

In 1300, King Edward I of England himself led an army against the Maxwells. While they put up a valiant fight, eventually Sir Eustace Maxwell allowed the English to use the castle as a stronghold, even receiving an allowance from King Edward II for the secure keeping of Caerlaverock. 

Later, however, Maxwell formed an alliance with Robert the Bruce, going so far as to dismantle the castle so that the English could no longer use it against Scotland. 

The plot thickened further in 1337 when Sir Eustace changed his mind once again, reinstating Caerlaverock as a grand fortress. Over the following centuries, the great Maxwell seat saw countless battles, changes of hands, and turmoil, until 1640, when it faced its biggest, and last, siege. 

Robert Maxwell and his men were barricaded into the castle grounds by Covenanters for 13 whole weeks before finally surrendering. After this, it was never again used as a place of defence. 

Today, Caerlaverock is in the care of Historic Environment Scotland, and is open to the public to explore. Why not plan a visit to get up close and personal with real life Clan Maxwell history. As well as the castle itself, there is also a quaint and cosy tearoom, an adventure park for children, and a wealth of beautiful wildlife. 

Our next Maxwell spot for today is Newark Castle, another grand building, this time set against the backdrop of the River Clyde in Port Glasgow. The Maxwells acquired this land via marriage in 1402, and Sir George Maxwell built the first iteration of the castle in 1478 after gaining the barony of Finlaystone from his father. He ordered the construction of a tall tower house on the south-east corner and a gatehouse on the courtyard’s west side. In the castle’s early years, its impressive architecture and the Maxwell’s prestige attracted impressive visitors, most notably James IV who stayed at Newark in 1495 before setting sail for the Hebrides. 

Newark Castle, Port Glasgow by Otter

In the following century, the new lord, Sir Patrick Maxwell, carried out numerous ambitious renovations, including removing the earlier great hall, building a new self-contained residence in place of the great hall, and containing the old tower in the new complex. 

He chose a striking red sandstone and commissioned several ornate and sophisticated features, including projecting angle-turrets, crow-stepped gables, and cable mouldings. 

However, while Sir Patrick Maxwell is remembered partially for his architectural choices, he is also known to have been a particularly harsh character, murdering several neighbours, and driving his wife, Lady Margaret, to flee from the Clyde to Dumbarton to find freedom from his cruelty.

Today, Newark Castle is held by Historic Environment Scotland and welcomes countless visitors every year. 

Our final Maxwell site for today is the iconic Pollok House! 

Located 3 miles south of Glasgow, Pollok House was built in 1752, on a site that had been inhabited by Clan Maxwell since the mid-13th century. It was extended in 1890 by Sir John Stirling Maxwell, who cared deeply about historic conservation and was one of the founders of the National Trust for Scotland. It is thought that the conversation that led to the Trust being founded even took place in Pollok House against the backdrop of the stunning Cedar Room in the 1930s. 

Pollok House by LornaMCampbell

In 1966, Sir John’s daughter, Dame Anne Maxwell MacDonald, 11th Baronetess, gifted the house and its internationally famous collection of paintings to the City of Glasgow and its people. Visitors today can see these artworks for themselves, including numerous Spanish paintings, portraits of the Habsburg rulers, and an unfinished portrait of Sir John Maxwell, thought to have been Raeburn’s last painting. You can also enjoy a well-stocked café and gift shop, as well as a stunning garden which boasts over 1,000 species of rhododendrons and the ‘Pollok Park Beech,’ which is thought to be over 250 years old! 

We hope you have enjoyed discovering a few of Clan Maxwell’s most impressive homes with us. We feel that it’s a great way to get a glimpse into the family’s fascinating history and imagine how they once would have lived their daily lives. Let us know if you feel inspired to plan a visit to Caerlaverock Castle, Newark Castle, or Pollok House, we’d love to hear about your experience! 

 

To learn more about the mighty Maxwells, head over to our Clan Maxwell page, and make sure to keep an eye out for the rest of our Maxwell content over this month.

Image Sources:

Caerlaverock Castle Dumfries and Galloway By Crowsus - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0

Newark Castle, Port Glasgow, Scotland - from north east By Otter - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Pollok House By LornaMCampbell - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0