Field Visit
Date 16 July 1911
Event ID 1117021
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1117021
Port Castle.
The remains of this castle are situated on the coast about ½ m. S. of Physgill House, and 1/3 m. to the SE. of St Nillian's Cave (RCAHMS 1912, No. 3). The site upon which the ruins stand has been one of considerable strength. The buildings have occupied a rocky promontory overlooking the sea towards the S., while to the W. is a deep ravine through which a small stream flows to meet the waters of Luce Bay. The remains of the enclosing walls have of necessity followed the shape of the headland on three sides, while the fourth side, built across the neck of the peninsula, encloses a rough square on plan, measuring about 70' from N. to S., and 85' from E. to W., over walls which have an average thickness of 4'. At the NE. angle the outer walls are reduced almost. to the surface of the ground, but slight indications seem to remain of a rectangular building formed within the angle. Near the centre of the N. wall is a rough opening which possibly indicates the position of the main entrance. The N. wall is curved to meet the W. wall, which stands to a height of fully5'. What seems to be a modern wall has been built parallel to the W. wall, thereby forming an enclosure. The whole building is in a state of ruin and without features of any kind, which renders a suggestion of its probable antiquity impossible.
O.S.M., WIGTOWN, xxxv. SE.
Visited 16th July 1911.
