Blackness Castle by Hannah Blundell
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle, also known as “the ship that never sailed,” is a historic fortress located on the south shore of the Firth of Forth in Scotland. This magnificent castle stands as a formidable stronghold with a rich history dating back to the 15th century.
Architecture and Design
The castle’s architecture is a remarkable sight to behold. Its unique shape, resembling a ship, gives it the nickname “the ship that never sailed.” The walls are thick and imposing, constructed with sturdy black stone, which adds to the castle’s dramatic appearance. From a distance, Blackness Castle looks like a massive stone vessel ready to set sail on the waters of the Firth of Forth.
Historical Significance
Blackness Castle has played a significant role throughout Scottish history. Initially built as a fortress to defend against maritime attacks, it later served as a royal castle and a state prison. The castle witnessed numerous conflicts, sieges, and battles, including the Wars of Scottish Independence and the Jacobite uprisings.
Film and Television
In addition to its historical importance, Blackness Castle has gained popularity as a filming location for movies and TV shows. Its unique architecture and striking setting have made it an ideal backdrop for various period dramas. Notably, it appeared in the hit TV series “Outlander,” where it doubled as the fictional Fort William.
Visitor Experience
Today, Blackness Castle welcomes visitors from all around the world who come to admire its beauty and explore its history. As you walk through the castle, you can witness its various rooms, including the prison cells, the great hall, and the governor’s quarters. The stunning views from the battlements offer a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding landscape.
Blackness Castle stands as a testament to Scotland’s rich history and architectural heritage. With its distinctive ship-like design and its role in both war and film, it has become a symbol of the nation’s cultural legacy. A visit to this remarkable fortress is a journey back in time, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stories of Scotland’s past.
Created: 4 July 2021 Edited: 29 November 2023
Blackness Castle LiDAR Map
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
Local History around Blackness Castle
There are some historic monuments around including:
Charlestown, limekilns and associated features Industrial: kiln, furnace, oven SM3734Antonine Wall, Roman temporary camp 105m NNW of Holland Cottage Roman: Antonine Wall SM3202Perdieus Mount, motte, Dunfermline Secular: motte SM867Broomy Knowes, cairn S of Prehistoric ritual and funerary: cairn (type uncertain) SM6208Greendykes,shale bing,Broxburn Industrial: mines, quarries SM6186Crombie anti-aircraft battery, 695m SE of Bullions 20th Century Military and Related: Anti-aircraft/barrage balloon site SM13713Dunfermline Abbey, Nether Yett, 10m NNE of Old Kirk Cottage Ecclesiastical: gateway SM13328Abercorn,fort 450m SW of West Lodge Prehistoric domestic and defensive: fort (includes hill and promontory fort) SM6185Crombie Old Parish Church,Craigflower Estate,Torryburn Ecclesiastical: church SM5651Carriden House,church and burial ground 20m SW of Ecclesiastical: burial ground, cemetery, graveyard SM5458Faucheldean,shale bing,Winchburgh Industrial: mines, quarries SM5692Blackness Castle Ecclesiastical: chapel; Secular: castle SM90036Walton,enclosure 650m NE of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM6487Niddry Farm,enclosure SW of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM6187Blackness House, enclosure 50m SSE of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM6445Rosyth Old Kirk Ecclesiastical: church SM837Burnshot,settlement & field system 443m NW of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: field or field system SM4011Abercorn Church, carved stones in Session House Crosses and carved stones: cross (free-standing) SM7545Staneyhill Tower Secular: castle SM1911Bonhard House,palisaded homestead 350m SSW of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: homestead SM6486Peace Knowe,fort Prehistoric domestic and defensive: fort (includes hill and promontory fort) SM1901Tuilyies, stone setting, Torryburn, Fife Prehistoric ritual and funerary: stone setting SM801Stacks,enclosure 250m WSW of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM6490Carledubs, unenclosed settlement, 275m NE of 30 Carledubs Crescent Prehistoric domestic and defensive: settlement; Prehistoric ritual and funerary: barrow SM6201Dunfermline, stretch of abbey precinct wall on Canmore Street Ecclesiastical: precinct walls SM9276Auldcathie Church Ecclesiastical: church SM5610Carriden House,mound 300m SSW of Prehistoric ritual and funerary: cairn (type uncertain) SM6488Stacks,enclosure 250m ESE of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM6489Bonhard House,enclosure 500m SSW of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM6485Stacks,enclosure 300m N of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: enclosure (domestic or defensive) SM4145Abercorn Castle, remains of Secular: castle SM7869Dunfermline Abbey Ecclesiastical: burial ground, cemetery, graveyard SM90116South Mains,homestead moat 200m N of Secular: homestead moat SM6207Malcolm Canmore's Tower Secular: tower SM5287Carriden House, Roman fort, annexe and settlement Roman: fort SM12653Drumfin Cottage, fort 540m SSW of Prehistoric domestic and defensive: fort (includes hill and promontory fort) SM8545Duntarvie Castle Secular: castle SM1905.
