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Barr Castle

Heritage Site in Renfrewshire

Scotland

Barr Castle

The 'Dumb Proctor' - Lochwinnoch Cemetery The 'Dumb Proctor' is a remnant of a medieval cross from the Govan School of carving, 1100AD. The cross originally stood on Crook Hill (NS 353 595) until the Reformation when the arms of the cross were broken off and buried. The Ewings, who were local farmers, uncovered the stone while ploughing. They attached it to a wall in their vegetable garden. The 'Dumb Proctor' is now erected upon the burial ground of James Ewing in Lochwinnoch cemetery. Heart of the Kingdom - The Dumb Proctor <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://earlymedievalgovan.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/the-dumb-proctor-of-lochwinnoch/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://earlymedievalgovan.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/the-dumb-proctor-of-lochwinnoch/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The 'Dumb Proctor' - Lochwinnoch Cemetery Credit: Raibeart MacAoidh

Barr Castle, located in Renfrewshire, Scotland, is a historic heritage site that dates back to the 15th century. This castle has played a prominent role in the region's history and is known for its unique architectural features.

Constructed around 1500, Barr Castle was originally built as a tower house by the Lockhart family, who were influential landowners in the area. Over the centuries, the castle underwent several modifications and expansions, resulting in its current form. The castle's exterior showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Renaissance and Gothic elements.

The castle boasts a four-story tower with a distinctive round stair tower, which is a common feature of Scottish tower houses. This architectural design allowed for efficient defense during times of conflict. The interior of the castle features well-preserved rooms, including a great hall, a drawing room, and a chapel.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Barr Castle is its extensive gardens and grounds. The castle is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, which were developed in the 18th century. These gardens feature manicured lawns, ornamental flowerbeds, and a variety of trees and shrubs, creating a picturesque setting.

Today, Barr Castle is open to the public as a heritage site, allowing visitors to explore its rich history and architectural beauty. It offers guided tours, which provide insights into the castle's past and the lives of its inhabitants. Additionally, the castle serves as a venue for various events, including weddings and private functions, adding to its charm and appeal.

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Barr Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.7883/-4.6382 or Grid Reference NS3458. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The 'Dumb Proctor' - Lochwinnoch Cemetery The 'Dumb Proctor' is a remnant of a medieval cross from the Govan School of carving, 1100AD. The cross originally stood on Crook Hill (NS 353 595) until the Reformation when the arms of the cross were broken off and buried. The Ewings, who were local farmers, uncovered the stone while ploughing. They attached it to a wall in their vegetable garden. The 'Dumb Proctor' is now erected upon the burial ground of James Ewing in Lochwinnoch cemetery. Heart of the Kingdom - The Dumb Proctor <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://earlymedievalgovan.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/the-dumb-proctor-of-lochwinnoch/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://earlymedievalgovan.wordpress.com/2013/02/14/the-dumb-proctor-of-lochwinnoch/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
The 'Dumb Proctor' - Lochwinnoch Cemetery
The 'Dumb Proctor' is a remnant of a medieval cross from the Govan School of carving, 1100AD. The cross originally stood on Crook Hill (NS 353 595) until the Reformation when the arms of the cross were broken off and buried. The Ewings, who were local farmers, uncovered the stone while ploughing. They attached it to a wall in their vegetable garden. The 'Dumb Proctor' is now erected upon the burial ground of James Ewing in Lochwinnoch cemetery. Heart of the Kingdom - The Dumb Proctor LinkExternal link
Field, Roebank
Field, Roebank
Road crossing the Yardfoot Burn
Road crossing the Yardfoot Burn
Barr Loch
Barr Loch
Main Street and Calder Street, Lochwinnoch
Main Street and Calder Street, Lochwinnoch
Main Street and Church Street, Lochwinnoch
Main Street and Church Street, Lochwinnoch
Railway trackbed / cycle path, Lochwinnoch The Kilbarchan Loop, a late addition to the Glasgow and Southwest Railway was closed in 1966. It is now a very popular rails to trails conversion.
Railway trackbed / cycle path, Lochwinnoch
The Kilbarchan Loop, a late addition to the Glasgow and Southwest Railway was closed in 1966. It is now a very popular rails to trails conversion.
Barr Castle - Lochwinnoch Barr Castle was constructed in the early 16th century. It passed into the hands of the Hamiltons of Ferguslie at the end of the 16th century. They retained the castle until the late 18th century, when they sold and abandoned it for a new mansion. Various inscriptions are carved into the fabric of Barr Castle. These include IW and MH on the pediment above the main entrance, IH and IC 1680 above the lintel at the head of the stair, and WO 1699 on the battlements. The carvings are the initials of various Hamilton Lairds of Barr, John Wallace and his wife Margaret Hamilton, John Hamilton. and Jean Cochrane. Barr Castle is owed by Fergus Day Hort Macdowall, 27th of Garthland. He is the Chief of Clan Macdowall and the castle is regarded as the seat of Clan Macdowall.
Barr Castle - Lochwinnoch
Barr Castle was constructed in the early 16th century. It passed into the hands of the Hamiltons of Ferguslie at the end of the 16th century. They retained the castle until the late 18th century, when they sold and abandoned it for a new mansion. Various inscriptions are carved into the fabric of Barr Castle. These include IW and MH on the pediment above the main entrance, IH and IC 1680 above the lintel at the head of the stair, and WO 1699 on the battlements. The carvings are the initials of various Hamilton Lairds of Barr, John Wallace and his wife Margaret Hamilton, John Hamilton. and Jean Cochrane. Barr Castle is owed by Fergus Day Hort Macdowall, 27th of Garthland. He is the Chief of Clan Macdowall and the castle is regarded as the seat of Clan Macdowall.
Memorial stone, Castle Semple Loch In Memory Of Andy Jackson 1971-2004 A World renowned White Water Kayaker Who learned to paddle here At Castle Semple Loch
Memorial stone, Castle Semple Loch
In Memory Of Andy Jackson 1971-2004 A World renowned White Water Kayaker Who learned to paddle here At Castle Semple Loch
Memorial stone, Castle Semple Loch In Memory Of Andy Jackson 1971-2004 A World renowned White Water Kayaker who learned to paddle here at Castle Semple Loch
Memorial stone, Castle Semple Loch
In Memory Of Andy Jackson 1971-2004 A World renowned White Water Kayaker who learned to paddle here at Castle Semple Loch
Lochside parking At Castle Semple Loch.
Lochside parking
At Castle Semple Loch.
St Winnoc Road Previously known as Factory Close and later Factory Street.
St Winnoc Road
Previously known as Factory Close and later Factory Street.
High Street, Lochwinnoch The B786.
High Street, Lochwinnoch
The B786.
High Street, Lochwinnoch The B786.
High Street, Lochwinnoch
The B786.
Houses on High Street The shop on the left is a Keystore convenience store.
Houses on High Street
The shop on the left is a Keystore convenience store.
High Street dentist Bluewater dental practice and Boutique71 (nails & bronzing) on High Street, Lochwinnoch.
High Street dentist
Bluewater dental practice and Boutique71 (nails & bronzing) on High Street, Lochwinnoch.
Lochwinnoch Community Library A former school, dating from 1857, now the Community Library. It is Category C listed <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51733" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51733">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>.
Lochwinnoch Community Library
A former school, dating from 1857, now the Community Library. It is Category C listed LinkExternal link.
Houses on High Street, Lochwinnoch
Houses on High Street, Lochwinnoch
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Barr Castle is located at Grid Ref: NS3458 (Lat: 55.7883, Lng: -4.6382)

Unitary Authority: Renfrewshire

Police Authority: Renfrewshire and Inverclyde

What 3 Words

///fancied.systems.highbrow. Near Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire

Nearby Locations

Barr Castle Limekilns Plantation Barrbank Wood

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.7883,-4.6382
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
Baron's Cairn Kincardineshire
Barrington Court Somerset

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