Engraving of Closeburn Castle. Titled 'Killosborn Castle. In Nithsdale, situated on the east side of a loch, or lake, about twelve miles to the northward of Dumfries. The stile of building is much unl ...

Description Engraving of Closeburn Castle. Titled 'Killosborn Castle. In Nithsdale, situated on the east side of a loch, or lake, about twelve miles to the northward of Dumfries. The stile of building is much unlike any of the other border towers, as the habitable part of the building was entered by a ladder from without, which was drawn up. The lower vaults are very strongly arched, and have a small trap in one which communicated with the great hall above; the upper and under doors have many iron grates, and are ornamented with zigzag figures similar to what are found in the Saxon architecture. This was the residence of Donegal Lord of Strathnith, in the reign of King Edgar, Alexander I and David I. In the reign of Alexander II Ivon de Kirkpatrick, of |Killosborn, obtained a charter of confirmation of these lands. Roger, a successor of Ivon, was among the first who stood forward in the cause of Robert Bruce, and was with him when he slew John Cummyng at Dumfries; for his service there, he obtained the crest of the hand and dagger, and the motto of I'll mak sicker, the words he used in stabbing Cummying. This estate is now the property of the Rev. Stewart Monteith. 1788. [From Adam de Cardonnell "Picturesque Antiquities of Scotland" 1788.]

Date c. 1788

Collection General Collection

Catalogue Number RAB 292/196

Category Print Room

Copies DP 096405

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/collection/1230317